2389       ESTHER   AND 


PEREIRA  MENDES 


The  Library 
University  of  California,  Los  Angeles 


The  gift  of  Mrs.  Cummings,  1963 


— 


ESTHER  AND 
HARBONAH 

BY 

H.  PEREIRA  MENDES 


BOSTON:  THE  GORHAM  PRESS 

TORONTO  :     THE    COPP    CLARK   CO.,    LIMITED 


COPYRIGHT,  1917,  BY  H.  PEREIRA  MENDES 
All  Rights  Reserved 


Made  in  the  United  States  of  America 


The  Gorham  Press,  Boston,  U.  S.  A. 


WHY  I  WROTE  AND  WHY  I  PUBLISH 
THIS  PLAY 

Nearly  forty  years  have  passed  since  I  wrote 
this  play.  I  wrote  it  for  my  young  people,  for  the 
cause  of  religious  Loyalty,  to  keep  them  strong 
therein. 

To-day  other  problems  are  forced  upon  our  at 
tention,  some  of  them  emphasized  by  the  great  War. 
Among  them  are  social  and  religious  questions,  such 
as  religious  loyalty  which  keeps  Protestant  sects 
apart  from  each  other,  antagonizes  Catholic, 
Greek  Church  and  Protestant,  and  frowns  upon 
intermarriage.  Religious  loyalty  is  one  of 
the  chief  features  of  the  Bible-book  upon  which 
this  play  is  based.  Hence  the  condemnation 
of  intermarriage  in  two  scenes  of  the  play.  And 
it  is  highly  probable  that  the  racial,  social  and 
religious  asperities,  prejudices,  hatreds,  etc.,  which 
will  naturally  be  the  aftermath  of  the  present  War, 
will  bring  forward  the  problem  of  removal  of  Jew 
ish  disabilities  in  lands  where  disabilities  exist,  and 
above  all,  the  question,  "Who  shall  have  Pales 
tine,"  when  the  future  of  Syria  shall  engage  the 
great  Powers'  attention. 

Hence  Harbonah's  earnest  championship  of  the 
Jewish  people,  and  his  presentation  of  the  high 
ideals  of  law  and  order,  love,  chastity  and  industry, 
for  which  the  Jews  have  stood  throughout  all  the 
centuries,  thus  earning  the  right  to  receive  the  con 
sideration  of  the  world. 

Religious  growths,  thought-growths,  all  growths, 
must  vary.  Variation  is  God's  own  Law.  There 
is  room  for  all,  provided  they  injure  not.  There 
is  something  good  and  something  useful  in  all.  Our 
problem  is  to  e-ducate,  i.  e.,  lead  it  out.  In  all, 


4    Why  I  Wrote  and  Why  I  Publish  This  Play 

there  may  be,  there  will  be,  elements  of  danger,  for 
everything  that  is  good  can  be  perverted  to  what 
is  bad.  In  truth,  what  pages  are  more  shameful, 
in  all  human  history  than  the  pages  recording  re 
ligious  persecution  from  the  witch-killing  of  Prot 
estant  New  England  to  the  cruel  Inquisition  of 
the  Catholic  and  the  infernal  Pogrom  of  the  Greek- 
Church,  in  the  name  of  Religion! 

An  adjustment  of  uncompromising  religious  loy 
alty,  with  a  certain  toleration  of  other  people's 
opinions, — this  and  what  I  have  stated  above,  are 
among  the  reasons  why  I  wrote  and  why  I  now 
publish  this  play. 

If  this  presentation  of  the  old  familiar  Bible- 
story  of  Esther  shall  awaken  religious  loyalty  in 
the  hearts  of  any,  especially  where  intermarriage 
is  concerned;  if  it  shall  inspire  the  souls  of  any 
men  and  women  who  happen  to  read  it,  with  a 
firm  Faith  in  that  over-ruling  Providence  in  the  af 
fairs  of  men,  which,  by  the  shuttle  of  the  Divine 
Will  that  flies  to  and  fro  through  the  eternities, 
weaves  the  man-made  tangles,  knots,  breaks  and 
frayings  into  something  of  a  pattern  Divine;  if 
it  shall  create  in  thinking  minds  a  better  under 
standing  of  the  love  for  Law  and  Order,  Justice 
and  Righteousness  for  which  Jewish  history  has 
ever  stood,  and  for  which  the  very  Founder  of 
the  Jewish  race  and  religion  was  Divinely  quick 
ened;  if  it  shall  stir  the  hearts  of  the  Jews  and 
Jewesses  of  to-day  to  continue  their  proud  tradi 
tions  of  the  past  and  prove  that  still  there  are 
those  who  will  dare  and  do  and,  if  need  be,  die  for 
their  religion,  my  writing  and  publishing  this  play 
will  be  justified. 

Above  all,  my  labor,  a  labor  of  love,  will  indeed 
be  blessed. 

H.  PEREIRA  MENDES. 


HISTORICAL  AND   LITERARY  NOTES 

The  play  itself  is  founded  on  the  Bible-Book  of 
Esther,  with  suggestions  from  Xenophon *  and 
Herodotus,2  the  Greek  Historians  of  that  era;  the 
Apocrypha,  Medrashim  or  Legends  two  thousand 
years  old,  etc.  A  study  of  the  Bible-Book  and 
of  these  Traditions  reveals  a  religious  loyalty  on 
the  part  of  Esther  that  cannot  be  overlooked. 

Esther,  a  Jewess,  marries  Ahasuerus,  a  heathen. 

Nevertheless,  as  the  Bible  record  states,  she  risks 
her  life  to  save  her  people.  She  further  obtains 
concessions  for  them  from  the  King,  a  capricious 
tyrant,  practically  subverting  his  decree  for  their 
extermination. 

Tradition  further  illustrates  her  loyalty  by  tell 
ing  us  that  Mordecai  concealed  her  for  four  years 
from  the  King's  officers,  whose  duty  was  to  gather 
all  the  maidens  from  among  whom  the  King  was 
to  select  his  new  queen.  This  indicates  her  un 
willingness  to  be  in  contact  with  Persian  Court- 
life,  with  all  its  viciousness  and  danger. 

Tradition  further  points  out  that  when  she  was 
Queen  in  the  royal  palace  she  refused  the  meals 
brought  to  her  by  Hegai,  the  royal  superintendent 
of  the  women,  and  lived  entirely  on  vegetable  food, 
even  as  Hananiah,  Mishael  and  Azariah,  noble 
Jewish  captives,  in  the  Court  of  Nebuchadnezzar,8 
and  for  the  same  reason,  namely,  conscientious  re- 

1  Cf .  Cyropoedia,  in  re  Gorgias. 
*  Herodotus  vii,  35,  37,  39;  ix,  108. 
•Cf.  Dan.  I,  8. 


6  Historical  and  Literary  Notes 

ligious  loyalty  to  the  Jewish  dietary  laws. 

Her  personal  attendants  were  seven  Jewish  maid 
ens  on  whose  conscientiousness  she  could  depend. 
She  gave  them  new  names,  Hulta,  Rokita,  Genu- 
nita,  Nehorita,  Rukshita,  Hurfita,  Regoita,  names 
reminding  her  by  their  meaning  of  the  seven  days 
of  creation,  including  Sabbath,  and  therefore  assur 
ing  a  weekly  reminder  of  the  Sabbath,  which,  even 
in  the  royal  palace,  she  insisted  upon  observing  as 
holy.  And  it  is  further  stated  that  Mordecai's  daily 
visit  to  the  palace-gate  was  to  give  her  any  religious 
instruction  she  might  need,  besides,  as  the  Bible- 
book  declares,  "to  know  of  Esther's  welfare  and 
what  was  being  done  unto  her." 

Traditions  of  this  kind  are  useful  as  echoes  of 
history,  or  as  folk-lore.  The  fact  is  that  Esther 
had  no  alternative  but  to  obey  the  royal  decree  to 
appear  with  all  other  maidens  at  the  palace.  For 
a  King  who  had  not  hesitated  to  send  his  queen 
away,  and  who  later  deliberately  consigned  a  whole 
race,  men,  women  and  children,  to  death  on  one 
day,  would  never  have  hesitated  to  seize  any  recal 
citrant  maiden  and  deprive  her  of  her  liberty,  honor 
or  life. 

We  may  be  very  sure,  therefore,  that  Esther 
went  unwillingly  to  the  royal  palace,  and  was  "a 
Jewess  at  heart,"  though  she  had  to  conceal  her  re 
ligion  in  her  public  life. 

It  is  stated  in  the  Book  of  Esther  that  all  the 
men  and  women  of  her  race  in  Shushan  had  suffi 
cient  loyalty  to  fast  as  they  did;  and  that  through 
out  the  whole  kingdom  the  Jews  fasted  and 
mourned,  with  no  record  of  cowardly  conversion. 
This  shows  that  Jewish  loyalty  was  not  dead. 

Not  less  is  Mordecai's  Jewish  patriotism  indica 
tive  of  religious  loyalty  as  having  been  the  environ 
ment  in  which  Esther  had  been  reared  and  edu- 


Historical  and  Literary  Notes  7 

cated. 

These  facts  afford  me  the  opportunity  to  make 
her  and  her  companions  express  loyalty  to  the  re 
ligion  of  their  fathers  and  abhorrence  of  intermar 
riage  into  which  she  was  forced.  (See  Act  I,  Scene 
I,  Act  II,  Scene  I,  and  Appendix,  Note  on  Inter 
marriage. 

Ahasuerus  is  generally  identified  with  Xerxes, 
king  of  Persia  (485-465  B.  C.  E.),  who  invaded 
Greece  and  fought  Thermopylae  and  Salamis,  and 
whose  wife,  according  to  Herodotus,  was  Am-estris. 
The  date-intervals  in  the  Book  of  Esther  correspond 
with  the  date-intervals  of  the  Grecian  expedition. 

Harbonah's  intense  hatred  of  Haman  I  base 
upon  the  Book  of  Esther,  Ch.  VII,  verse  9,  where 
at  a  most  critical  moment  he  secures  the  immediate 
execution  of  Haman.  He  and  Haman,  earlier 
known  as  Mehuman  or  Memuchan  (I,  10,  14), 
were  associate  dignitaries,  "serving  in  the  presence" 
or  "beholding  the  face"  of  the  king. 

The  wholesale  massacre  ordered  by  Ahasuerus 
is  not  without  historic  analogy.  Alexander  of 
Macedon  ordered  a  massacre  of  the  Tynans  (334 
B.C.E.) :  Mithridates  ordered  the  murder  of  all 
Romans  and  Italians  in  his  dominion,  male  and  fe 
male  (84  B.C.E.) — 80,000  to  150,000  were  slain. 
Ferdinand  and  Isabella  of  Spain  deliberately  ex 
pelled  the  Jews  to  the  number  of  300,000  to  600,- 
OOO  (1492),  while  the  Inquisition  slew,  tortured  or 
expelled  or  imprisoned  over  a  million  (according 
to  Llorente).  The  massacre  of  St.  Bartholomew 
(1572)  cost  the  lives  of  some  2,000  in  Paris  and 
80,000  to  100,000  in  the  provinces.  Louis  XIV  of 
France  drove  out  several  hundred  thousand  Prot 
estants  (1685)  through  his  dragonnades  and  the 
revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes.  Though  these 
numbers,  quoted  from  authorities,  are  mere  esti- 


8  Historical  and  Literary  Notes 

mates,  they  are  sufficiently  significant. 

Spiegel 4  gives  a  very  mild  judgment  concerning 
Xerxes,  though  emphasizing  his  waywardness;  but 
Keil  points  out  that  Greek  and  Roman  authors  are 
unanimous  in  their  portrait  of  Xerxes  as  a  riotous, 
licentious  monarch  and  an  extremely  cruel  tyrant, — 
a  character  which  quite  fits  Ahasuerus.  He  says: 

"Xerxes  was  the  despot  who,  after  the  wealthy 
Lydian,  Pythius,  had  most  richly  entertained  the 
Persian  army  in  its  march  against  Greece  and  had 
offered  an  immense  sum  of  money  as  a  contribution 
to  the  costs  of  the  war,  on  his  making  a  petition  to 
have  the  oldest  of  his  five  sons  then  in  the  army 
given  to  him  as  a  solace  for  his  old  age,  became 
so  enraged  that  he  caused  his  son  asked  for  to  be 
cut  in  pieces,  laid  the  pieces  on  both  sides  of  the 
way,  and  ordered  his  army  to  march  through  be 
tween  them;  the  tyrant  who  caused  the  heads  of 
those  who  built  the  pontoon-bridge  over  the  Helles 
pont  to  be  cut  off  because  a  storm  had  destroyed 
the  bridge,  and  ordered  the  sea  to  be  lashed  with 
whips  and  bound  with  chains  sunk  under  the 
waves;  the  debauchee  who,  after  his  return  from 
Greece,  sought  to  crown  the  vexation  of  his  shame 
ful  defeat  by  means  of  sensuality  and  revelry."  5 

Such  a  frantic  tyrant  is  capable  of  all  that  is  re 
lated  of  Ahasuerus  in  the  Bible-book  of  Esther. 

4  Eranischen  Alterthumskunde  (II,  p.  402). 
"Herodotus,   VII,   37-39;    Seneca,   de   Ira,  VII,   17). 
Herodotus   (VII,  35;  Herodotus,  IX,  108,  599). 


DRAMATIS  PERSONAE 


MORDECAI,  a  wealthy  Hebrew  of  Shushan,  uncle 

and  guardian  of  Esther. 
AHASUERUS,  King  of  Persia  and  Media. 
MEMUCAN  or  HAMAN,  first  chamberlain  to  the 

king. 

HARBONAH,  second  chamberlain  to  the  king. 
BIZTHA,  third  chamberlain. 
DAVID,  the  lover  of  Hadassah. 

.  ISH>       young  Hebrews  of  Shushan  and  friends  of 

ASHER,     >         * 


Memu- 


SAUL, 

,  I  Of£cers  Of  the  gate 

n/r          *|  can  as  assassins. 

MARNA,  J 

DARSHOM,  jhi    1;          f  Harbonah< 

NARGAN,    J 

HATACH,  chamberlain  to  the  Queen. 

Captain  of  the  guard. 

Speaker  of  Jewish  deputation. 

ARBANAHAL 

(  Willow-of-the-Brook) 
TAMAR 
^   (Palm), 

SOSANA 

(Rose), 
BATAINA 

(Apple  of  the  Eye), 
ZAPHRA 

(Birdie), 


early  companions  of 
Hadassah. 


IO  Dramatis  Persona 

HADASSAH  or  ESTHER,  ward  of  Mordecai,  after 
wards  Queen  of  Persia. 

MYRRHINE,  companion  of  Hadassah,  afterwards 
Esther's  attendant  in  the  Palace. 

ZERDATHA  (Diadem-of-the-Law),  attendant  of 
Esther  in  the  Palace. 

IMMI  (Mother  mine),  Esther's  foster-mother  and 
Palace-companion. 

Courtiers,  Ushers,  Guards,  Pages,  Scribes,  Trump 
eters,  Deputation  of  Hebrews,  Processions 
(can  be  omitted). 

Choruses:  (a)  Young  men  and  maidens,  (b)  of 
courtiers,  (c)  of  mob  off  the  stage,  (d)  of 
Hebrew  deputation,  (e)  royal  choir  off  the 
stage. 

SCENERY 

Act  I,  Scene  I,  Reception-room  in  Mordecai's  house. 
Act  i,  Scene  II,  Outskirts  of  Shushan. 
Act  2,  Scene  I,  Reception-room  in  Mordecai's  house. 
Act  3,  Scene  I,  King's  reception-chamber. 
Act  3,  Scene  II,  Esther's  apartment  in  the  palace. 
Act  3,   Scene  III,  King's  reception-chamber. 
Act  3,  Scene  IV,  King's  bed-chamber. 
Act  3,  Scene  V,  King's  reception-chamber,  banquet 
chamber  in  rear. 


MUSIC 

ACT  I.     SCENE  I 

1.  Chorus,  "Though  Persia's  Dales." 

2.  "The  Birth  of  Love." 

3.  Song:  "Knowest  Thou  the  Land?" 

4.  Chorus:  Paraphrase  of  the  song  of  Moses. 

5.  Chorus:  "Hail,  O  Sister!" 

6.  Chorus:  "She  sits  as  enchanted!" 

7.  "By  Babel's  Streams." 

8.  Chorus.     Prayer:  Is  there  danger  o'er  us  pend 

ing? 

9.  Finale,     Chorus:  "Away,  Thou  Traitor." 

ACT  I.     SCENE  II 

1.  Song:  "I   Hear  the  Thrush." 

2.  Prayer.      Chorus:    As    the    hart    by    hounds    is 

hunted. 

ACT  II 

1.  Song:  "The  Zephyr  and  the  Rose-bud." 

2.  Chorus:  "Lo,  How  Awful  Is  the  Emotion!" 

3.  Chorus.     Prayer:  Hearken  to  Thy  sons  offend 

ing. 

ACT  III.     SCENE  I 

1.  Chorus:  "All  hail  of  earthly  kings  the  first." 

2.  Chorus  (mob  outside)  :  "Down  with  the  Jews." 

3.  Chorus    of    Hebrew    Deputation:    "Father    in 

Heaven,  in  anguish  we  cry." 
ii 


12  Music 

4.  Chorus  (mob  outside) :  "The  ravens  shall  glut 
on  the  feast  to  be  spread." 

ACT  III.     SCENE  II 

1.  The  Queen's  Choir:  "O  hearken"  (Psalm  49). 

2.  The  Queen's  Choir:  "Fret  not  thyself  because  of 

the  evil-doers"    (Psalm  37). 

3.  The  Queen's  Choir:   "I  lift  up  mine  eyes  to  the 

mountain  whence  cometh  my  help"  (Psalm 

123). 

4.  The  Queen's  Choir:  "He  is  our  God,  our  Savior 

He!" 

ACT  III.     SCENE  III 
I.  Chorus  of  Courtiers:  "All  hail  of  earthly  kings." 

ACT  III.     SCENE  IV 

i.  Royal  Choir.    Quartette  and  Chorus:  "Angel  of 
rest,  spread  thy  wings  o'er  us  mortals." 

ACT  III.    SCENE  V 
i.  Concluding  Chorus:  "Ye  nations  all." 


ESTHER   AND    HARBONAH 


ACT  I 

SCENE  I 

Reception  room  in  Mordecai's  house.  Younff 
men  and  maidens  assembled  sing  following  chorus 
before  and  while  the  curtain  is  drawn  up. 

Chorus.    THOUGH  PERSIA'S  DALES. 

Though  Persia's  dales  be  fresh  and  lovely 
'Neath  her  sky  so  bright  and  fair, 

Though  meads  and  groves  be  sweetly  scented 
Nought  with  Zion  can  compare! 

Her  roses  blush,  her  streamlets  murmur, 

Velvet  clothes  her  ev'ry  hill — 
But  though  her  glories  melt  in  beauty, 

Zion  is  more  lovely  still  1 

Sosana 

What  keeps  our  sister?     Strange  she  sleeps 
So  long  on  this  her  birthday  morn!     I  ween 
Her  dreams  are  sweet! — She  lingers  'neath  their 

spell 
Beyond  the  usual  hour!     Here  comes  Myrrhinel 

(Enter  Myrrhine} 

Myrrhine,  has  not  thy  mistress  wakened  yet? 
Go,  watch  and  let  us  know  without  delay 

13 


14  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Of  e'en   a  moment,  when  her  eyes  unlock 
Their  brightness  to  the  kiss  of  morning  light!  (Exit 
Myrrhine) 

Arbanahal 

Sosana,  if  aright  the  rumor  be, 

The  morning  light  hath  rivals  who  would  fain 

Salute  the  brightness  which  in  Esther's  eyes 

Is  throned;  aye,  bask  for  ever  there,  content 

To  let  the  swiftly  passing  hours  fade 

In  one  unending  dream  of  happiness! 

Zaphra 

What  meanest  thou?    (To  her  companions}    Sweet 

Arbanahal  speaks 

As  if  that  mystic  pow'r  which  men  call  love 
Were  a  reality,  and  not  as  I 
Believe,  a  fancy — used  for  poet's  theme, 
A  mere  invention  which  does  not  exist! 

Song.    THE  BIRTH  OF  LOVE 

(One  of  the  Maidens} 

When    Adam    lived    in    loneliness    black    shadows 

wreathed  his  heart; 
Some     sounds — "lost     chords" — he'd     heard     in 

Heaven  mocked  his  memory! 
The  light  was  dimmed,  earth's  beauty  gone,  all  joy 

seemed  to  depart — 

E'en  hope  was  dead  and  nought  but  gloom  for 
him  there  seemed  to  be! 

"O  Joy,  O  Hope,  O  Life's  sweet  Light, 

Do  ye  exist  for  me?" 
And  crying  thus  he  slept  the  night 
In  dream's  sweet  ecstasy! 

Ah!     Shall  I  whisper  what  he  dreamed  that  night 
in  Eden's  glade? 


Act  I  15 

He  dreamed  an  angel  dropped  a  gem  from  Heav 
en's  vault  above; 

It  touched  his  heart,   it  nestled  there;  to  flesh  it 
turned  and  made 

A    woman's    form — then    breathed    and — there 
stood  Eve  for  him  to  love! 

"O  Joy,  O  Hope,  O  Life's  sweet  Light! 

I  know  you  now!"  he  cried. 
The  gloom  had  fled,  all  earth  was  bright, 
For  Love  was  at  his  side! 


Tamar 

Yes,  Zaphra,  thou  art  right!    Love  is  a  dream! 
But  tell  me!     Yestern  eve  I  noticed  well, 
When  Isaac,  son  of  Ezra,  took  his  leave 
And  pressed  thy  hand,  he  took  some  time  to  say 
"Good    night!"      And    though    thine    eyes    were 

drooped,  thy  face 

Was  flushed,  as  if  the  bloom  of  Sharon's  rose 
Thy  cheek  encarnadined !  Five  times  he  said 
"Good  night!" — so  loath  he  seemed  to  leave  thy 

side! 

And  when  he  went,  thy  glances  followed  his 
Retreating  form!  (Mockingly]  But  yet  of  course, 

this  thing 

Which  men  call  love,  is  but  a  fancy,  used 
For  poet's  theme,  and  not  reality. 

Sosana 
For  shame,  Tamar,  for  Zaphra  blushes  now! 

Arbanahal 

Let's  change  the  subject.   Girls  like  us  know  nought 
Of  love!     Girls  never  do!     Come,  Zaphra,  sing 


1 6  Esther  and  Harbonah 

The  song  you  sang  the  other  night  so  well — 
Of  memories  of  Palestine. 

Tamar 

Yes,  sing! 

We'll  join,  for  truly  'tis  a  Hebrew  song 
To  wake  the  echoes  of  the  Hebrew  heart! 

Song.     KNOWEST  THOU  THE  LAND? 
I 

Knowest  thou  the  land 

Where   Lebanon's  great  cedars  proudly  toss  their 

mighty  branches, 
And  the  sun,  declining,  bathes  in  glory  Carmel 

by  the  sea, 
Where  Jordan  winds  and  glides  beside  the  glades 

and  glens  of  Gilead, 

And  the  moonbeams  kiss  the  wavelets  on  the  lakes 
of  Galilee? 

Chorus:    'Tis  the  land  of  the  Hebrew,  his  heart's 

sole  delight, 

No  joy  can  her  sons  ever  know, 
For  their  thought  by  the  day  and  their 

dream  by  the  night 
Is  Zion  alone  in  her  woe! 
For  their  thought  by  the  day  and  their 

dream  by  the  night 
Is  Zion  alone  in  her  woe! 

II 

Knowest  thou  the  land 

Where   vineyards   are   empurpled   with    the   heavy 

drooping  cluster, 

And  the  rustling  of  the  golden  grain  makes  mu 
sic  sweet  to  hear, 


Act  I  17 

Where  verdant  pastures  stud  the  land  from  Dan 

unto  Beersheba, 

But  where  ruins  of  the  temple  wake  the  heart 
and  call  the  tear? 

Chorus:    'Tis  the  land  of  the  Hebrew,  his  heart's 

sole  delight, 

No  joy  can  her  sons  ever  know, 
For  their  thought  by  the  day  and  their 

dream  by  the  night 
Is  Zion  alone  in  her  woe! 
For  their  thought  by  the  day  and  their 

dream  by  the  night 
Is  Zion  alone  in  her  woe! 


Ill 

God  protect  the  land! 

The  iceman's  sword  may  drive  us  forth  to  die,  or 

pine  in  dungeon, 
And  the  mocking  of  the  nations  Judah's  children 

long  may  be! 
But  on  the  day  that  sees  us  false,  may  Heaven's 

light  be  hidden, 

Our  tongues  be  stilled,  our  hearts  be  hushed,  be 
fore  we're  false  to  thee! 

Chorus:    O  thou  land  of  our  fathers,  our  hearts' 

sole  delight! 

No  joy  can  thy  sons  ever  know, 
For  our  thought  by  the  day  and  our  dream 

by  the  night 

Art  thou,  Zion,  lonely  in  woe! 
For  our  thought  by  the  day  and  our  dream 

by  the  night 
Art  thou,  Zion,  lovely,  in  woe! 


1 8  Esther  and  Harbonah 

(Or  omit  Verse  II,  and  add  instead  after  Verse  III) 

God  inspire  our  hearts 

To  wake  the  world  to  wage  the  war  for  Righteous 
ness  and  Justice! 
Like  stars,  to  lead  the  thoughts  of  man  to  Him 

enthroned  above; 
And  like  the  sand,  the  waves  withstand  of  human 

sin  and  error; 

Like  dust  of  Earth,  to  bring  to  birth  the  growths 
of  Truth  and  Love! 

Chorus:    O  thou  land  of  our  fathers,  our  hearts' 

sole  delight! 
Through    thee    shall    all    mankind    be 

blessed ! 
For  the  thoughts  and  the  dreams  of  thy 

prophets  shall  right 
Earth's  wrongs — and  the  Earth  be  at 

rest! 
For  the  thoughts  and  the  dreams  of  thy 

prophets  shall  right 
Earth's  wrongs — and  the  Earth  be  at 
rest! 

Bataina 

Come,  friends,  we  must  not  sing  of  woe  to-day, 
'Tis  day  of  joy!     Let's  sing  of  Faith  in  God, 
Of  hope  reborn,   redemption,  aye,  why  not 
Sing  Moses'  song  and  thus  anticipate 
Deliv'rance  from  a  second  Egypt's  yoke? 

Chorus.      (Can  be  omitted,  in  which  case  omit  pre 
ceding  speech  of  Bataina.} 
Chorus.     His  TRIUMPH  Is  GLORIOUS  ! 


Act  I  19 

(Paraphrase  of  the  Song  of  Moses.    Exod.  xv.) 

Maidens 

Sing  to  the  Lord,   for  His  triumph  is  glorious, 
Warhorse  and  rider  are  cast  in  the  sea! 

My  strength  and  my  song  is  the  Lord,  the  victori 
ous, 
Savior  of  Israel's  children  is  He! 

Young  Men 

The  chariots  of  Pharaoh  are  sunk  in  the  wave, 
His  chieftains  of  choice  are  in  Suph  overthrown, 

Engulfed  by  the  billows  the  depths  are  their  grave, 
In  Suph's  great  abysses  they  sink  like  a  stone !__ 

Both 

Who  of  the  mighty  is  like  Thee,  O  Lord? 
Who  is  there  like  Thee,  glorious  Lord? 
Grand   in  Thy  holiness,  awful  in  praise! 

Wondrously  working! — O  be  Thou  adored! 
Build  Thou  Thy  fane  where  all  mankind  shall  cry 
"Be  Thy  Name  and  Thy  Kingdom  established  for 
aye!" 

Arbanahal 

Enough,  good  friends;  the  time  is  passing.    Why 
Does  Esther  sleep  so  long  to-day?     We  come 
To  greet  the  queen  of  all  our  hearts.     I  say 
Of  all.   Good  David,  dost  thou  think  with  me? 

Saul 

Let  David  be,  sweet  sister!     Thou'rt  unkind 
To  rally  him.     But  never  yet  I  met 
Young   maidens   in   each   other's  company 
But  sure  some  mischief  was  afoot! 


2O  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Bataina 

Indeed! 

Thou  shalt  repent  thy  words!    We  learn  that  man 
Was  not  complete  until  a  woman  graced 
The  world,  so  dark  for  him  without  her  smile! 
Thou  owest  much  to  us,  I  think!     And  now 
To  say  that  mischief  rules  when  maidens  meet! 
For  shame!     Ingratitude,  thy  name  is  man! 

(Saul  shrugs  his  shoulders,  all  laugh  at  him.) 

Kish 

Stay,  stay,  good  sister,  not  so  fast!     We  learn 

That  Adam  slept  while  woman  first  was  made, 

Implying  that  if  he  had  been  awake 

And   in  possession  of  his  faculties, 

He  might  have  made  objection,  and  declared 

That  he  preferred  in  single  blessedness 

To  live! 

Tamar 

What,  Kish!     Thou  most  discourteous  man! 
'Tis  written  that  he  found  no  helpmate  there 
'Mong  all  creation.     This  implies  he  looked! 
One  never  looks  except  for  what  he  wants! 
Then  why  should  Adam  look  unless  he  felt 
The  want  of  what  he  sought?     In  truth  he  knew 
His  happiness  was  incomplete,  until 
He  saw  good  mother  Eve,  earth's  last  and  best 
Created  form,  there  standing  at  his  side! 
And,  sir,  his  satisfaction  is  expressed; 
What  more  would'st  have? — Art  answered? 

Saul 

Aye,  I  think 
He  is!     A  man  were  brave  to  fight  a  maid 


Act  1  21 

With    maiden's    dart    which    Nature    gives, — the 

tongue ! 

But  let  me  add  'tis  not  by  any  means 
The  first  occasion  when  a  man  succumbed 
To  woman's  talk! — Good  father  Adam  first 
Gave  way, — then  why  not  I? 

Sosana 

Why  hear  him! — Sir, 
Dost  in  our  faces  fling  the  first  reproach? 

David 

No,  no,  we  must  not  turn  this  Paradise 

We  now  enjoy  to  scene  of  discord!     (Aside)     'Tis 

strange 
She  sleeps  so  long!      (Enter  Myrrhine} 

Ah,  here's  Myrrhine  at  last! 

Myrrhine 

My  mistress  wakes,  and  now  she  comes  from  out 
Her  sleeping  chamber. 

(All  rise) 

Myrrhine 

(Aside)  May  the  kind  fates  guard 

Her  fortune! — Never  have  I  seen  her  rise 
As  on  this  most  auspicious  day!     So  strange 
Her  manner,  so  distraught  her  look,  she  seems 
Another  being,  as  unlike  herself 
As  night  from  day!     No  smiles  now  flit  across 
Her  winsome  face,  like  Heaven's  light!     Instead 
'Tis  shaded  by  a  gloomy  look!    And  when 
I  greeted  her  and  wished  her  many  days 


22  Esther  and  Harbonah 

She  heard  me  not,  nor  asked  for  Mordecai 
As  is  her  wont! — So  absent-minded,  when 
By  chance  her  glances  rested  on  the  gifts 
Upon  her  table  strewn,  she  seemed  as  if 
She  saw  them  not.    No  word  escaped  her  lips! 
She  dressed  herself  as  if  possessed  by  thoughts 
Which   drove  all  things  of  earth   from  out  her 

mind!      (Looking  out,  R.) 
She  comes!    Great  Heavens!    What  a  change! 

Zaphra 

(Looking  out,  R.)  Now,  friends, 

Be  all  prepared — her  curtain  moves — she  comes! 

Chorus.    "HAIL,  O  SISTER!" 

Hail,  O  Sister!     Hail  the  morn! 
Honored  be  this  happy  day, 
Blessed  be  it  from  its  dawn, 
Heaven  guard  thee,  thus  we  pray! 

May  thy  lot  be  many  years, 
Each  as  happy  as  this  day, 
Free  from  sorrow,  free  from  cares! 
Heaven  bless  thee,  thus  we  pray! 

(Towards  the  end  of  the  first  verse  of  this  chorus 
Esther  enters,  passes  slowly  in  front  without 
noticing.  She  sits  on  a  couch,  L.  C.,  as  if 
buried  in  thought.) 

Myrrhine 
(Coming  forward) 

Alas,  my  mistress,  once  no  bird  so  blithe 
As  she!     No  music  sweeter  than  her  laugh! 
No  sunshine  brighter  than  her  smile!     But  now! 
In  one  night  changed!     (Cries')     O  woe,  unhappy 
day! 


Act  I  23 

David 
(Advancing  and  kneeling  at  her  side) 

Song.     ESTHER,  HEAR  Us! 

Esther,  hear  us.     O  sad  fortune! 

Evil  spirits  have  possessed  thee! 
Do  but  look  and  smile  upon  us — 

What  is  it  that  hath  distressed  thee? 
Darling,  darling,   do  but  answer! 

What  is  it  that  hath  distressed  thee? 

(Chorus  Softly)  "SHE  SITS  AS  ENCHANTED." 

She  sits  as  enchanted,  unconscious  of  all! 
What  shadows  upon  her  are  destined  to  fall? 
May  Heaven  protect  her  and  give  her  this  day 
Assistance,  and  chase  all  misfortune  away! 

Zaphra 

What  mystery  enchants  her?    Shall  we  send 
For  Mordecai? 

Myrrhine 

Alas,  he  tarries  still 
At  Memucan's! 

Zaphra 

My  heart  is  faint  with  pain 
To  thus  behold  her!  (Kneels,  takes  Esther's  hand.) 

Esther  dearest,  look! 

Thy  Zaphra  speaks  to  thee!     Thou  dost  not  hear? 
(Esther   unconsciously   plays  with   Zaphra' s   hair.) 
Ah!     Now  thou'rt  coming  to  thyself  again! 
O   Hadassah,  sweet  myrtle  mine,  we  come 
On  this,  thy  birthday  morn,  to  greet  thee! — Look! 

(Esther  looks  at  her.) 


24  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Thy  Zaphra  waits  thy  smile!    See,  David  too, 
Is  with  us!     Hast  thou  not  a  word  for  him? 

(Esther  kisses  her  forehead.} 
Speak,  Esther  darling,  all  thy  friends  are  here! 

Saul 

Let's  sing  an  old  familiar  song!     Perhaps 
The  melody  will  rouse  her, — one  she  loves! 

Sosana 

Yes,  let  us  try.     'Twas  only  yester-night 

She  sang  "By  Babel's  streams"  at  Zaphra's  house, 

Her  fav'rite  song! 

David,  or  Whoever  Sings  the  Song 

(Sits  at  Esther's  feet;  the  rest  group-  round.  The 
singer  is  handed  a  lyre  by  Myrrhine  and  says, 
"I'll  sing  if  you  will  join"} 

Song.     "By  BABEL'S  STREAMS" 
(Paraphrase  of  Psalm  137) 

I 

By  Babel's  streams  we  sat,  we  wept, 
For  Zion's  mem'ry  cannot  fade! 
We  hung  the  harp  whose  music  slept 
On  willows,   'neath  whose  solemn  shade 
We  talked  of  Zion's  glory! 

Chorus 

We  talked  of  Zion's  glory! 
We  dreamed  of  Zion's  glory! 
Where  willows  cast  their  solemn  shade 
We  wept  for  Zion's  glory! 


Act  I  25 

II 

The  captor  cruel  mocked  the  sigh 
And  bade  us  sing  of  Zion's  songs, 
With  breaking  hearts  we  made  reply 
"To  Zion's  land  alone  belongs 
The  sound  of  Zion's  glory!" 

Chorus 

The  sound  of  Zion's  glory, 
The  songs  of  Zion's  glory, 
To  Zion's  land  alone  belong 
The  songs  of  Zion's  glory. 

Ill 

How  can  we  from  the  harp-string  wake 

In  stranger's  land  the  sacred  lay? 

Each  harp-string,  aye,  our  hearts  would  break 

Before  our  ringers  would  obey, 

For  dimmed  is  Zion's  glory! 

Chorus 

For  dimmed  is  Zion's  glory; 
Alas  for  Zion's  glory! 
The  heart  and  hand  will  not  obey, 
For  lost  is  Zion's  glory! 

IV 

O  Salem!     If  thy  sacred  land 
Forgotten  be,  if  false  we  prove, 
May  mem'ry   fail, — may  palsied   hand 
And  dastard  tongues  refuse  to  move 
If  we  forget  thy  glory! 


26  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Chorus 

If  we  forget  thy  glory, 

If  we  forget  thy  glory, 

May  mem'ry, — aye,  may  life  depart 

'Fore  we  forget  thy  glory! 

(Esther  covers  her  face  with  her  hand  and  weeps 
during  the  last  verse.} 

Esther 

Good  friends,  I  know  not  what  it  is  that  moves 

My  heart  on  what  should  be  a  happy  day! 

Strange  thoughts  invade  my  mind  and  all  is  lost 

In  one  absorbing  mem'ry  of  a  dream 

Which  seized  my  faculties  throughout  the  night, 

And  came  again,  again,  a  thousand  times, 

Each   time  with  strength  ten-fold   intensified! 

I  am  persuaded  that  a  mystic  fate 

Is  working  on  my  destiny  and  I 

Am  helpless, — more,   that  if  I  could  arrest 

Its  course  to  leave  me  free,  I  would  not, — no, 

Not  e'en  for  all  the  gold  Shushan  hath  stored! 

— What  fate  it  is  that  binds  me  now  so  fast 

I  know  not!     All  I  know  is  that  I  am 

Its  willing  slave, — the  rest  I  leave  to  God! 

David 

Dear  Esther,  Hadassah,  what  is  the  dream 
Which  thus  hath  moved  thee?    Let  me  hear. 

Mayhap 

'Tis  but  a  flitting  fancy  and  its  spell 
Will  pass  away  while  thou  recountest! 

Esther 

No! 
Dear  David,  no!     I  am  no  longer  what 


Act  I  27 

I  was,  this  dream  hath  changed  me!     Now  I  am 
But  as  an  instrument  beneath  the  spell 
Of  some  Almighty  Influence. — I  feel 
A  destiny  awaits  me!     Oh,  the  thought 
Impels  the  blood  through  ev'ry  vein  with  speed 
Of  light! — I  lose  all  consciousness  of  self! 
All  things  of  Earth  around  me  glide  away 
And  leave  me  here,  with  none  to  aid,  e'en  like 
A  straw  beneath  a  torrent's  might,  a  reed 
'Fore  blasts  the  mightiest  that  ever  rent 
The  oaks  they  tell  of  in  the  land  of  Macedoigne 
Which  brave  the  anger  of  their  skies,  strike  firm 
Their  roots  in  earth,  and  bid  the  tempest  fierce 
Do  what  it  list!    And  when  'tis  over  passed, 
Lie  prone,  uprooted,  humbled  on  the  ground! 
So  I,  I  have  no  strength  to  stand  against 
The  mighty  pow'r  which  sways  me  at  its  will! 
I  am  resigned!     I  bend  my  head  and  let 
The  unknown  force  do  with  me  what  it  will! 
And   now  my  dream  was  this. —  (All  move  as  if 
listening  attentively.} 

Methought  I  heard 

The  rushing  winds  blow  fiercely  o'er  the  meads 
That  lay  at  foot  of  Persia's  lofty  peaks. 
The  sky  grew  dark.     Portentous  clouds  I  saw 
Amass  around  the  highest  peaks  of  all. 
They  moved  across  the  lea,  hung  thick  and  black 
With  thunder  charged,  with  angry  flashing  streams 
Of  molten  fire  suspended;  and  it  seemed 
As  if  its  fiercest  fury  was  to  pour 
Upon  the  lowly  meads; — as  if  the  hills, 
So  lofty  and  so  huge,  made  war  upon 
The  fields  which   humbly  crouched   beneath   their 

feet! 

When  suddenly  the  raging  blasts  were  hushed ; 
The  air  became  oppressive  and  the  noise 
Of  distant  angry  peals  alone  was  heard ! 


28  Esther  and  Harbonah 

The  very  birds  rushed  silent  to  their  nests! 

The  very  beasts  sought  shelter  where  they  could! 

And  silence  reigned,  most  awful!    Aye,  my  heart 

To  beat  seemed  frightened,  lest  it  should  disturb 

The  scene's  solemnity!     I  scarcely  breathed! 

My  ev'ry  limb  was  trembling  as  I  gazed 

Upon  the  lurid  light  that  lit  the  gloom! 

No  word  I  spoke!     All  nature  seemed  so  awed 

That  even  foliage  ceased  its  rustling  sound! 

Then  lo!    The  leaves  upon  a  myrtle  moved 

As  if  they  prayed  to  God  to  help  the  meek! — 

— I  know  not  how  it  was! — I  saw  them  move, 

Like  human  lips,  to  Heaven  turned!     Forthwith 

As  if  their  pray'r  was  answered,  all  the  clouds 

Were  swiftly  moved  beyond  the  mighty  hills! 

I  woke  and  silently  I  prayed  to  know 

The  meaning  hidden  'neath  the  wondrous  dream. 

At  last  I  heard  a  voice  upon  me  call, 

"Thou  art  the  humble  myrtle,  Esther,  thou, 

The  myrtle, — Hadassah — the  myrtle,  thou!" 

And  Hadassah  I  am, — The  myrtle — aye, 

And  born  to  hurl  the  threat'ning  clouds  from  o'er 

The  lowly  meads  which  seem  to  crouch  before 

The    lordly    mounts! — What    mean    the    meads? 

What  mean 

The  mounts?  I  know  not!  But  my  heart  misgives 
Me  when,  as  now,  we  lowly  crouch  and  cringe 
Before  the  Persian  proud  who  scorns  the  race 
Of  Jacob's  sons!     If  storms  be  coming,  black 
With  Persia's  hatred,  doomed  to  burst  upon 
The  head  of  our  devoted  nation,  I   (Advances) 
Will  dare  the  tyrant!     If  I  perish,  then 
I  perish!     'Tis  my  mission!     Come  the  worst, 
Ye  storm  clouds,  I,  the  humble  myrtle,  I 
Will  break  your  strength,  with  Heaven's  aid! 
Come,  fate !  Come,  fate !  Thy  will  shall  be  obeyed ! 


Act  I  29 

Chorus.     PRAYER 


Is  there  danger  o'er  us  pending? 
Lord,  then  bring  Thy  children  aid ! 
Lo,  to  Thee  the  race  offending 
Prayeth,  be  Thine  anger  stayed ! 

II 

Save  us,  Father,  grant  Thy  mercy, 
Though  we  walk  in  sinful  ways! 
Yea!    Thy  mercy  faileth  never! 
For  Thy  pardon  Jacob  prays! 

Myrrhlne 

(Looking  out)   Look,  good  Mordecai  is  here  and 

with 
A    Persian    stranger!     (Aside)     Would    he   were 

alone ! 

Keep  silence  pray! — Of  all  the  strange  events 
Speak  not  a  word!    Indeed,  he  loves  her  so, 
That  if  he  thought  she  saddened  e'en,  he'd  know 
No  peace  of  mind  by  day  or  night!     I  pray 
Be  careful  not  to  say  or  hint  a  word! 

(Enter  Mordecai  and  Memucan,  R.) 

Mordecai 

My  children,  welcome  on  this  happy  morn! 

( To  Esther)  My  darling,  Heaven  keep  thee  on  this 

day! 

May  choicest  blessings  be  upon  thee  show'red 
And  happiness  be  thine;  no  sorrow  cast 
Its  baleful  shadow  o'er  thy  coming  years, 


3O  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Nor  aught  prevent  thy  life  from  being  passed 
Amid  the  sunshine  of  unending  joys! 

Esther 

I  thank  thee  for  thy  wishes.     How  can  I 
Find  words  enough  to  thank  thee  for  a  tithe 
Of  all  that  goodness  thou  hast  heaped  on  me, — 
An  orphan,  thrown  upon  thy  loving  care? 
I  cannot  show  my  gratitude,  except 
By  words  that  feebly  indicate  it,  yet 
I'd  give  thee  what  is  said  to  bring  the  grace 
Of  Heaven  on  the  heads  of  those  who  take 
A  father  and  a  mother's  place, — the  love 
Devoted,  undivided,  aye,  whole-souled, 
From  out  an  orphan's  heart,  didst  thou  not  have 
It  long  ago!     (Kneels  and  kisses  his  hand.) 

Mordecai 

I  know  it,  dearest  child ! 
My  life's  delight!     I  find  a  blessing  far 
Beyond  all  price  in  sunshine  which  thy  face 
Forever  brings!    But  here  is  Memucan, 
Of  Persia's  nobles  one  of  highest  rank, 
Entreating  introduction  to  my  ward, 
(Mockingly}  To  pay  his  duty  most  respectful! 

(Aside)  O 

I  trust  his  condescending  impudence 
Will  have  the  stinging  check  his  arrogance 
Deserves ! 

(Memucan   salutes    Esther   and   leads    her   to    the 
couch) 

Saul 

'Tis  something  new  for  one  of  rank 
To  honor  humble  Jew's  assemblage! 


Act  1  31 

Zaphra 

Well! 
I  know  what  welcome  he  would  have  from  me! 

Sosana 

I  wonder  if  he  ofttimes  visits  here! 
'Tis  dangerous  for  Hebrews  to  permit 
A  stranger  of  an  alien  faith  to  come 
So  freely  in  their  family!     It  breaks 
The  bonds  of  fit  reserve  and  leads  the  heart 
To  stray  from  Duty's  path — from  Faith !   For  when 
Love  enters,  conquers  and  entwines  that  chain 
Around  two  souls  which  iron  cannot  break, 
Farewell  to  peace  in  households  then!     Farewell 
To  union  and  to  happiness!     A  maid 
Of  Jewish  faith  who  weds  outside  the  pale, 
Is  branded  as  a  traitress  to  her  race, 
A  traitress  to  her  faith  and  duty!     Aye, 
And  on  the  judgment  day,  if  Right  be  Right 
And   Truth   be    truth,    her   soul    shall   stand   con 
demned, 
By  both  and  by  the  God  she  hath  betrayed ! 

Tamar 

This  bodes  no  good,  believe  me!     There  must  be 
Some  hidden  purpose  lurking  'neath  it! 

Bataina 

Yes! 

The  tiger  never  stalks  the  lamb  for  nought! 

David 

(Hotly)  What  wants  the  stranger  here?    His  looks 

are  full 
Of  cunning!     Watch  him  closely,  friends! 


32  Esther  and  Harbonah 

(Memucan  and  Esther  sit  on  a  couch.) 

Memucan 
(To  Esther) 

Thou  knowest  not  how  I  have  long  desired 
To  hold  a  closer  speech  with  thee,  fair  maid! 
For  days  and  nights,  for  many  months  in  truth, 
Thy  image  in  my  heart  hath  been  impressed 
So  deep  that  other  thoughts  could  find  no  place! 
No  slumber  e'er  enchained  me  but  I  dreamed, 
No  dream  enthralled  me  ever  but  thy  face 
Appeared  as  constantly  as  light  by  day! 
With  all  humility,  I  ask  thee,  hear 
A  Persian's  solemn  word  and  protest!     Heart 
And  hand  and  thought,  yea,  all  that  man 
Can  lay  at  lady's  service  shall  be  thine! 

Esther 

O  speak  not  thus  to  mock  a  Jewish  maid! 
Thou  knowest  that  a  Hebrew  marries  not 
Outside  the  holy  faith.     "Accursed  the  one," 
So  said  my  father  with  his  ebbing  breath, 
"Who  dares  belie  our  God  by  wedding  spouse 
An  alien  to  our  race!"     And  gazing  then 
Upon  me  as  the  film  of  death  o'er-spread 
His  eyes,  he  said,  "Be  faithful  to  thy  creed, 
And  die  in  wretchedness  before  consent 
Thou'lt  give  to  marry  stranger  to  thy  faith!" 
Then  suddenly  he  stopped, — his  eyes  lit  up, 
He  rose  upon  his  bed  as  if  possessed 
With   strength   renewed — he  looked   as  if  in 
spired! — 

As  if  the  future  was  to  him  revealed 
And  words  to  tell  it  lingered  on  his  lips, 
Kept  sealed  by  pnw'r  'gainst  which  he  tried  to 
strive ! 


Act  I  33 

At  last  he  gasped,  outstretched  his  arms  and  said, 
"Except  a  king — I  see — a  queen — who — looks 
Like  thee!"     He  fell  exhausted  in  my  arms, 
Then  turned  his  face  to  me,  looked  lovingly 
Into  my  very  eyes,  then  smiled,  and  died! 
They  said  his  mind  was  wand'ring!     But  I  know 
No  word  of  thine  can  ever  change  my  will 
And  make  me  disobey  his  dying  charge! 

Memucan 

Nay,  hear  me,  be  not  hasty! — All  my  wealth 

Shall  at  thy  feet  be  poured.    No  wish  of  thine 

Shall  be  unheeded;  what  a  man  can  do 

To  make  a  woman  happy  shall  be  done! 

Thy  jewels  shall  the  royal  diadem 

Outshine!    Thy  slaves  shall  countless  be, — and  I 

Most  willing  of  them  all !  Thy  parks  shall  charm 

With  velvet  lawns,  with  foliaged  groves  beneath 

Whose  grateful  shade  shall  purest  streamlets  flow 

With  crystal  purling  flood,  reflecting  all 

Of  Heaven's  beauty,  and  of  earth, — thine  own! 

Thy  ev'ry  wish  shall  be  my  law!     No  thought 

Shall  e'er  be  in  my  heart  but  happiness 

For  thee  shall  be  its  theme!    Thy  palace  walls 

Shall  all  with  colors  bright  resplendent  shine 

And  rival  in  their  brilliancy  the  sheen 

Of  birds'  most  lovely  plumage !    Nay,  the  glow 

And  beauty  of  an  angel's  wing  shall  seem 

But  dull  in  the  comparison! 

Esther 

Sir,  hold! 
Think'st  thou  to  tempt  me?     If  thou  hadst  the 

wealth 

Of  Ind  and  couldst  command  the  choicest  slaves 
That   throng   the  marts  of   Ethiop's  land,   nay 
more ! — 


34  Esther  and  Harbonah 

If  all  thy  substance  rivalled  that  which  lies 
In  treasury  of  Persia's  kings,  thou'dst  fail! 
Yea — more !  Thy  tempting  me  to  break  the  word 
I  gave  my  dying  father  proves  thou  hast 
No  honor  in  thy  heart!   Enough,  sir,  go!  (Rising) 
And  learn  two  things,  the  first,  a  Jewish  maid 
With  aught  of  Jewish  feeling  in  her  heart, 
Would  scorn  to  wed  outside  her  father's  faith ! 
The  second,  that  a  Jewish  child  obeys 
The  parent  when  he  lives,  much  more  when  dead ! 
And  as  for  me,  if  ever  dawns  the  day 
WThen  Esther's  tongue  betrays  her  father's  wish, 
May  Esther's  heart  no  longer  beat,  her  tongue 
Be  paralyzed  and  all  her  powers  fail !     ( Turns 
from  him) 

M  emu  can 

Thou  scornest  me?    Right  well  I  know  that  I 
Have  lowered  me  to  speak  as  I  have  done! — 
That  I,  a  Persian  prince,  should  stoop  to  woo 
A  child  of  Judah's  lowly  race!     Thou  hast 
Perchance  a  deeper  cause  to  treat  me  thus! 
I  know  not  if  thou  mockest  me  to  say 
A  Jew  his  father  honors!     I  have  learned 
The  Jews  are  exiles  from  their  land  because 
They  honored  not  the  one  they  ever  call 
Their  Heav'nly  Father!    Why,  then,  honor  more 
The  one  on  earth  than  Him  in  Heaven?     Nay, 
Thou    hast    a    deeper    cause? — a   lover, — yes! 

(Turning  to  guests) 

Then  speak,  ye  men,  who  dares  to  cross  the  path 
Of  Memucan? 

David 
I,  David,  son  of  Hur! 


Act  I  35 

Memucan 

What,  thou?    Thou  slave,  thou  dog!    Then  learn 

from  me 
Thy  love  shall  cause  thy  death!     Thou  dog,  take 

that! 

(As  he  rushes  to  stab  David,  whom  Saul  and  Asher 
hold  back,  Mordecai  grasps  his  hand,  Esther 
shrieks,  men  move  forward  as  if  to  fall  on  him. 
Girls  assume  various  attitudes  of  fright.  Tab 
leau.} 

Men  and  Maidens 
Arrest  the  hand! 

Mordecai 
What  would'st  thou,  madman,  now? 

Memucan 
I  swear  to  slay  the  thrice  accursed  hound! 

Finale.     Chorus.     "Aw AY,  THOU  TRAITOR!" 

Mordecai 

The  shadow  of  my  roof,  O  Persian, 
Thou  forgettest!     Learn  to  know 

That  thou  hast  outraged  what  respected 
Is  by  even  vengeful  foe ! 

Memucan 

By  ev'ry  god  in  Persia's  heaven, 

Hear  ye  all,  I  solemnly  swear 

To  wreak  my  vengeance  on  this  rival! — (To 
David} 

For  thy  death,  thou  dog,  prepare! 


36  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Esther 

Thou  Persian,  hear  a  Jewish  maiden 

Hurl  defiance  in  thy  face! 
Begone,  and  never  dare  approach  me! 

Judah  loathes  thy  hated  race! 

Chorus 

Away,  thou  traitor,  shame  upon  thee! 

Friendship,  Virtue,  Peace,  Old  Age, 
Thou  dar'st  to  outrage!    Shame  upon  thee! 

Carry  hence  thy  cursed  rage! 

{Curtain  falls.) 


ACT  I 

SCENE  II 

(Wood    scene.      Outskirts    of    Shushan.     Bigtan, 
Teresh,  Mama,  cloaked  and  armed.    Night.) 

Bigtan 

This  night's  the  last!     It  is  the  seventh  eve 
Of  keeping  watch,  and  Memucan  expressed 
The  compact,  "Watch  for  seven  nights  until 
You  see  a  Jew  called  David,  son  of  Hur! 
Then  kill  him !"   Then  he  gave  description,  though 
I  know  the  man  he  means!    Five  hundred  coins 
Of  silver  will  he  give  us  when  we  can 
Assure  him  that  his  hated  foe  is  dead ! 

Teresh 
Who  comes? 


Act  I  37 

Eigtan 
(Looking  out)   'Tis  he,  at  last! 

Mama 

Be  ready,  all! 

I  will  accost  him.      (Enter  Asher}   Sir,  how  fares 
the  night? 

Asher 

(Aside}  Some  footpads!  What  they'll  get  from  me 

if  but 
They  leave  my  life,  I  care  not!     (To  Big  tan)  All 

is  fair! 
The  moon  will  rise  'fore  ends  the  watch!     Good 

night! 
(They  hustle  him.)  Good  night,  I  bid  you.    (They 

handle  him.) 

Hey!    What  would  ye?    Ho! 
'Tis  Asher,  son  of  Aaron,  let  me  go !    ( They  desist.) 

Big  tan 

I'  faith,  he's  not  the  man  we  seek!     (To  Asher} 

Begone ! 
We  did  but  joke!     (They  move  to  the  rear.} 

Asher 

(Aside}  This  joke  had  cost  my  life, 
Methinks,  if  I  my  name  had  not  declared! 
But  who  is  he  they  seek?    Some  Jew  for  sure! 
For  never  yet  was  Jew  for  Persian  ta'en! 
I'll  rouse  all  Jewry!     Murder  is  afoot! 
Ye  villains,  I'll  defeat  your  wicked  plans!     (Exit 
Asher} 

Marna 

A  good  escape  for  him!     But  hist!     Again 
Some  footsteps  can  I  hear!     Vile  fate!     It  is 


38  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Some  roysterers  from  out  the  palace,  drunk 
Like  all  the  rest,  while  we  are  parched  with  thirst! 

Teresh 

I  think  that  Memucan  should  pay  for  this 
Some  extra  coin!     We  bargained  not  to  be 
Deprived  of  joining  in  the  royal  feast!     (They  re 
tire,  rear.) 

(Enter  Harbonah,  Darshom,  Nargan,  the  two  latter 
intoxicated.) 

Harbonah 

It  was  the  richest  thing!     I  would  I  were 
The  King!      (Sees  the  assassins}   Whom  have 

we  here?     (Calls  to  them)   Well  met,  my 

friends ! 

(Aside)    Three  choicest  rogues   as  e'er   I   saw! 

Perhaps 

They'll  serve  my  purpose  better  than  the  two 
I  have  with  me,  for  Darshom  is  a  fool 
And  Nargan, — he  is  drunk!     (Coming  forward) 

I'll  be  the  death 

Of  Memucan !     I  swear  to  have  his  life 
For  passing  insult  on  his  equal,  me, 
A  royal  chamberlain !     And  thus  it  is 
To  slay  him  as  he  comes  from  out  the  feast, 
I,  Harbonah,  now  walk  the  streets  with  two 
Assassins  who  would  slay  their  very  child 
For  money!     I'll  dismiss  the  useless  pair 
And  hire  the  others!    Yes,  I'll  manage  it! 

Teresh 

(To  Bigtan  and  Marna)   'Tis  best  for  us  to  meet 

them  in  their  mood! 
A  pest  upon  them!     In  no  humor  now 


Act  I  39 

Am  I  for  jesting!     (To  Harbonah}  Ah,  my  friend, 

all  hail! 
What  news  have  you? 

Harbonah 

What?     Have  you  then  not  heard? 
Shushan  is  ringing  with  it!     Why,  the  queen 
Is  sent  away  in  deep  disgrace! 

Bigtan,  Teresh  and  Mama 
Indeed! 

Dar shorn 

Of  course !    Where  have  you  been  ?    Pray,  are  ye  all 

Custodians  of  peace  in  great  Shushan, 

And  like  the  finest  of  police,  know  naught 

Of  what  goes  on,  when  knowing  does  not  pay? 

Teresh 
We  are  not  watchmen!     Prithee  tell  us  all! 

Nargan 
Why  I,  why  I,  why  I,  ... 

Darshom 

Be  still,  thou'rt  drunk!      (Interrupting} 
(To  Harbonah}  Thou,  Captain,  speak!   Thou  hast 
the  clearest  head! 

Harbonah 

For  seven  days,  as  ye  perchance  have  heard, 

The  garden  of  the  royal  palace  free 

Hath  been  to  all  Shushan,  both  great  and  small! 


40  Esther  and  Harbonah 

A  Paradise  it  is,  in  very  truth, 

Surpassing  e'en  a  poet's  wildest  dream ! 

Whate'er  is  beautiful  in  form  is  there; 

What  Heaven  shows  of  glorious  hues  at  dawn, 

Or  sunset,  there  we  see, — translucent  blue 

Of  azure  softness,  purple,  orange,  red, 

With  bloodlike  crimson,  opal,  green  and  gold — 

All  melting,  glowing,  dazzling,  like  as  if 

The  skies  were  robbed  of  ev'ry  rainbow  which 

Hath  ever  spanned  the  tearful  earth,  to  deck 

The  scented  avenues  and  leafy  groves 

Of  Persia's  king!    Then  lanterns  gleam  and  lights 

Uncountable  of  ev'ry  color  shine 

And  make  the  whole  a  scene  for  gods,  not  men! 

On  ev'ry  side  are  hanging  curtains  stretched, 

Of  white  and  green  and  blue,  all  looped  with  cords 

Of  linen  fine!     Imperial  purple,  too, 

Of  Tyrian  dye  the  deepest,  meets  the  gaze! 

The  very  rollers  are  of  silver  pure, 

Engraved  and  polished!     Ev'rywhere  are  seen 

Long  rows  of  glistening  marble  pillars,  carved 

With  graceful  shapes  and  wonderful  designs 

From  lowest  base  to  lofty  architrave! 

Beneath  the  vaulting  arch  and  leaf-hid  niche 

Are  hidden  gold  and  silver  couches,  heaped 

With  silks  of  Ind,  Damascus  cloth-of-gold 

And  priceless  stuffs  from  earth's  most  distant  ends! 

The  seats  and  tables  are  of  rarest  woods, 

The  former  cushioned,  piled  with  yielding  shawls! 

Then  here  and  there  are  dancing  fountains  placed 

With  soothing  splash  to  charm  the  ear  as  well 

As  please  the  eyes  with  spray  reflecting  lights 

From  every  side!     The  steps,  the  pavements,  all 

The  sweeping  terraces,  the  fountain-beds, 

Are  choicest  porphyry  or  malachite 

Or  rarest  marble,  yellow,  green  and  white 

And  deepest  black!    If  ever  man  had  glimpse 


Act  I  41 

Of  Paradise  the  sight  could  not  have  charmed 
Him  more  than  that  which  I  would  fain  describe! 

Nargan 

Now  don't  forget  the  wine !    The  scene  was  grand, 
I  grant  you,  and  the  lights  were  doubled,  aye, 
And  trebled  as  we  quaffed  the  wine!     But  then 
Ye  gods!    The  wine  was  better,  thousand  times! 

Harbonah 
Have  done,  thou  fool! 

Dar shorn 

The  wine?     Don't  talk,  I  pray! 
Such  drink  the  gods  have  not!    Three  flasks  I  drank 
Of  Chian  wine,  the  best  they  had!    Each  flask 
Was  worth  of  silver  pieces  full  a  score! 
No  stint  there  was,  the  king's  distinct  command 
Declared  the  officers  should  do  the  will 
Of  ev'ry  man  as  he  might  wish!     We  drank 
From  gorgeous  cups  of  gold,  of  patterns  each 
Diverse  from  other's  shape.    But  death!    The  wine 
Was  grander,  I  assure  you! 

Harbonah 

Then  the  queen 

A  feast  for  all  the  women  made  within 
The  royal  palace  walls.     And  here's  the  joke! 
The  king  was  merry — who  was  not  indeed? 
A  bet  was  made  who  had  the  fairest  wife. 
The  king  declared  that  none  with   Persia's  queen 
Could  e'er  compare! — The  bet  was  taken.     Then 
To  Memucan,  of  chamberlains  the  first, 
He,  angered,  spake,  for  vexed  was  he 


42  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Naraan 

(Interrupting)  And  drunk 

Besides! 

Harbonah 

Be  quiet,  sir,  I  beg!     A  king 
Is  never  drunk! 

Darshom 

Be  still,  thou  chatter-fool ! 

Naraan 

No  fool  am  I!     For  Memucan  himself 
Could  not  fool  me!     I  saw  his  cunning  trick! 
He  plied  the  king  with  wine,  filled  up  his  cup 
A  score  of  times,  but  he  himself,  I  marked, 
Made  but  pretense  of  drinking!     No!     He  kept 
His  own  sly  brains  unfuddled,  while  he  dazed 
The  king's  poor  head !    Nay  more!    I  saw  him  drop 
A  whitish  powder  in  the  royal  cup 
Not  once,  but  twice !    They  both  were  drunk,  I  say ! 
The  king  with  wine,  but  Memucan  was  drunk 
With  some  desire  infernal  to  persuade 
The  king  to  grant  him  gift  or  privilege ! 

Darshom 

They  say  that  fools  and  drunkards  tell  the  truth! 
What  is  he?     Fool  or  drunkard? 

Harbonah 

(Aside)     He   is  both! 

But  he  will  serve  my  purpose  well!     (To  the  oth 
ers)  The  king 
To  Memucan  exclaimed,  "Go  fetch  the  queen — 


Act  I  43 

The  king  commands!"    Then  quick  they  went,  the 

whole 

Of  Persia's  chamberlains,  to  bid  the  queen 
Appear  before  the  cpurt.  They  soon  returned 
With  blank  astonishment  depicted  on 
Each  face!    "O  King,"  said  Memucan,  "we  gave 
Thy  message!     But  the  queen  replied,  'Take  back 
This  answer  to  the  king!     Let  him  not  think 
That  I  forget  my  dignity,  as  he 
Doth  his,  nor  yet  imagine  that  his  wish 
Of  such  a  kind  will  be  by  me  obeyed, 
To  show  my  face  to  drunken  men!     Thus  say, 
That  Vashti,  queen  of  Persia,  doth  refuse !'  " 
The  king  arose,  and  mad  with  anger,  asked 
His  learned  counsellors'  advice  thereon! 
The  chief  of  all  the  seven,  Memucan, 
Then  spake:     "O,  not  against  the  king  alone 
Hath  Vashti  sinned.     To  all  the  nobles,  aye, 
To  all  the  people  hath  she  gi'en  offence! 
For  when  'tis  known  that  Vashti  dares  refuse 
The  king's  command,  no  wife  will  more  obey 
Her  husband's  will !    If  with  my  word  the  king 
Is  pleased,  he  will  remove  her  royal  state 
And  choose  for  queen  a  maiden  who  will  know 
Her  duty  to  the  king!     And  let  a  law 
Be  made  for  ev'ry  province  (in  its  tongue 
To  better  understand  it)   thus  to  say, 
That  ev'ry  husband  shall  as  master  rule 
In  his  own  house!"    Ahasuerus  thought 
It  good  advice  and  now  'tis  law.    This  ends 
The  story,  friends!     'Tis  late!     Good  night! 

Big  tan 

Good  night! 

Harbonah   (Aside  to  Bigtan) 

Thou  know'st  the  gate  that  leads  the  way  to  great 
Damascus;  meet  me  there,  for  friends  I  need! 


44  Esther  and  Harbonah 

(Exeunt  Harbonah,  Darshom,  Nargan.) 

Teresh 

Well,  well,  we  live  and  learn,  we  live  and  learn! 
And  so  no  queen  now  graces  Persia's  throne! 

Marna 

I  hear  a  voice, — be  still,  it  sings  a  tune 

I've  heard  from  Jewish  throat, — may  be  'tis  he 

At  last! 

Bigtan 

I  hope  it  is,  I'm  tired  enough! 

David 

(Outside,  gradually  coming  nearer) 
Song.     "I  HEAR  THE  THRUSH" 

I  hear  the  thrush  make  heaven  ring 
With  melody  glorious,  pure  and  sweet, 
Till  echoes  jealous  'gin  to  sing 
And  answering  soft  the  song  repeat! 
Ah  ha!     (Flute  answers.)  Ah  ha!     (Flute  an 
swers.) 

Oh  glorious  light,  oh  sunshine  bright! 
My  heart  with  joy  is  stirred, — 
To  giddiest  height  I  wing  my  flight! 
Thus  sings  the  gladsome  bird! 
Ah  ha!     Ah  ha!     (As  before) 
Oh  glorious  light,  Oh  sunshine  bright, 
My  heart  with  joy  is  stirred, 
To  giddiest  height  I  wing  my  flight! — 
The  echoes  thus  were  heard! 

(David  enters  as  he  ends  the  song.) 


Act  I  45 


Teresh 
Thou'rt  merry,  friend! 


By  Jews! 


Marna 

I  know  the  song,  'tis  sung 

David 

Well,  I'm  a  Jew  and  so  I  sing 
It!    David,  son  of  Hur's  my  name,  and  truth 
To  tell,  there's  none  more  honorable  known! 

(They  approach  him.} 

Good  night,  good  friends!     (They  press  around 
him.) 

Keep  off!     What! 
Help!— Ho!     Help! 

Bigtan 

(Stabbing  him) 
Take  that,  thou  David,  son  of  Hur! 

Teresh 

And  that! 
Marna 
And  that  from  Memucan!     Our  task  is  done! 

(Exeunt  Bigtan,  Teresh  and  Marna.) 

David 

(Falls)  Ah  me!     Oh  Esther!     Ah!     I  die!— Ho, 
help! 

(Enter  crowd  with  Mordecai  and  Asher.) 


46  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Mordecai 

Who  cried  for  help? — What?    Some  man  stabbed? 

A  Jew 

By  vestment! — Oh,  great  heaven! — David,  what! 
Explain! — (Aside}  Oh,  Esther!     Woe  for  thee! 

(Mordecai  raises  David's  head  on  his  knees;  chorus 
group  round  them,  in  attitude  of  sorrow,  rage, 
fear,  etc.) 

David 

Oh,  woe ! 

Prayer.    "As  the  Hart  by  Hounds  is  Hunted!" 

As  the  hart  by  hounds  is  hunted, 
So  is  Jacob  by  the  foe 
Who  remorselessly  pursues  him! 
Thou  dost  see  it!    Thou  dost  know! 

Vengeance,  Heaven,  thus  we  cry, 
We,  Thy  sons  in  stranger's  land! 
Vengeance !    Vengeance !    From  on  high, 
Vengeance  on  the  murd'ring  hand! 

David 
(Dying} 

Oh  Mordecai !     'Twas  Memucan  who  vowed 
To  slay  me, — Esther, — tell  her  that  I  die — 
While  breathing  forth  her  loved  name, — my  heart 
Was    hers, — I    die — while    breathing — forth — her 
name! 

Prayer.  "Peace,  O  Friends,  His  Soul  Is  Passing!" 

Peace,  O  friends!     His  soul  is  passing! 
See,  his  life-blood  stains  the  sod! 
May  his  soul  be — Hush — Attend  ye — 
SHEMA  ISRAEL  HASHEM  ECHOD! 

Curtain 


ACT  II 

SCENE  I 

(Esther's  room.  Maidens  assembled  as  in  Act  I, 
Scene  I.  Four  years  are  supposed  to  have 
passed.1 ) 

Song.    THE  ZEPHYR  AND  THE  ROSEBUD 


The  Zephyr  kissed  the  Rose-bud  and  she  hung  her 

head  and  wept; 

But  Zephyr  whispered  softly  while  away  he  gen 
tly  swept 

The    rain-drops    which,    like    trembling    tears   had 
gemmed  her  folded  leaves, 

According  to  the  Book  of  Esther,  the  king  feasted 
his  great  gathering  of  nobles  and  commoners  in  the 
third  year  of  his  reign  (Chapter  I,  v,  3),  and  Esther 
was  taken  to  the  king  in  the  seventh  year.  (II,  16)  — 
an  interval  of  four  years.  Towards  the  end  of  484 
B.C.E.,  Xerxes  returned  to  Susa  (Shusha-n)  and  con 
vened  a  great  council  to  debate  his  proposed  expedition 
against  Greece  (Herod  I,  vii,  7).  He  invaded  Greece 
in  the  year  480  B.C.E.,  returned  to  Asia  defeated  after 
the  battle  of  Salamis,  480  B.C.E.,  four  years  after  his 
great  council.  Xerxes  abandoned  himself  to  luxury 
and  ease  (Ctes.  c.  ii,  Diod.  1,  xi,  Justin  1,  Hi,  1).  The 
conduct  of  Artabanus,  a  favorite,  in  conspiring  against 
him,  and  seeking  to  gain  the  throne,  a  sad  abuse  of 
wine  at  a  banquet  are  historical  facts  which  I  have 
utilized  in  the  play.  See  Rollin  Hist.,  Vol.  II. 

47 


48  Esther  and  Harbonah 

And  this  is  what  he  whispered,  "O,  I'll  die  if 
Rosebud  grieves! 

O  Rosebud,  Rosebud,  lift  thy  head; 

Thy  lover  speaks  to  thee! 
O  Rosebud,  Rosebud,  I  would  wed 
Thy  sweetness  all  to  me! 

II 

The  Rosebud  heard  and  wavered,  then  she  raised 

her  head  and  blushed 
And  slowly  opened  leaflets,  each  with  wondrous 

beauty  flushed; 
But  Zephyr  stole  her  sweetness,  then,  O  faithless! 

off  he  hied, 

To  other  lands,  while  Rosebud  drooped  and  pined 
away  and  died ! 

O  Rosebud,  Rosebud,  live  again, 

Thy  lover  speaks  to  thee! 
But  all  the  answer  was  the  rain 
Which  pattered,  "No,  not  he!" 

Sosana 

Hast  heard  that  Jered,  son  of  Issachar, 
Hath  wed  a  Persian  maid? 

Bataina 

I  wonder  not! 

His  father  cared  but  little  for  the  laws 
Of  our  beloved  religion!     He  was  what 
Is  called  "a  Jew  at  heart,"  that  is,  he  had 
No  heart  for  Jewish  duty!     Synagogue 
He  did  not  visit.    Worship  in  his  home — 
He  knew  it  not!    His  sons  and  daughters  grew 
To  manhood  and  to  womanhood  without 
A  knowledge  of  the  duties,  Faith  and  Hopes 
Of  Israel!     What  else  can  we  expect? 


Act  II  49 

The  daughters  marry  out  the  faith  or  wed 
Some  "Jew  at  heart" — some  compromising  cur 
Who   hath   no   heart   for   God,   no   heart  for 

aught 

Save  worldly  pleasure,  worldly  aim — as  if 
A  life  without  a  God  could  be  a  life 
Worth   living! 

Arbanahal 

O,  I  hate  the  canting  phrase, 
"I  am  a  Jew  at  heart,"  from  out  the  lips 
Of  dastard  Jew  who  like  a  non-Jew  lives — 
Who  breaks  the  Sabbath,  scorns  the  Law,  who  lies 
When  saying,  "I  love  God!"     The  test  of  love 
Is  sacrifice  we  make  for  those  we  love. 
What  sacrifice  make  "Jews  at  heart,"  like  these, 
To  prove  their  love  for  Him  they  dare  call  God? 

Bataina 

This  Jered,  son  of  Issachar — take  him 

As  our  example!     Call  ye  him  a  man? 

His  widowed  mother  lives,  a  loving  heart 

That  loves  and  fears  and  serves  her  God.    She  tried 

To  lead  her  sons  and  daughters  in  her  faith, 

But  husband  helped  her  not!     And  uncles,  aunts, 

Companions,  mocked  at  ev'ry  sacred  form! 

Poor  soul !  she  grieved,  she  mourned,  because  her  son 

Took  wife  outside  her  faith !    That  son !    That  cur ! 

Zaphra 

He  knew  his  mother  loved  him  well!     He  knew 
She  bore  for  him  the  pains  of  motherhood; 
He  knew  she  watched  his  infant  life,  his  years 
Of  tender  childhood,  aye,  he  knew  it  was 
Her  loving  hand  that  bathed  his  fevered  brow, 


5O  Esther  and  Harbonah 

That  watched  the  night  beside  the  bed  whereon 
He  tossed  in  pain  or  sickness!     O,  he  knew 
What  mother's  love  and  mother's  sacrifice 
Had  meant  for  him!  and  now  he  pays  her  back! 
His  fist  he  dashes  in  that  gentle  face! 
Her  tender  heart  he  rends!     Her  love  he  flouts! 
His  love  for  her  counts  nought  beside  his  love 
For  woman  of  a  faith  that  hates  his  tribe! 

Immi 

Who  marries  out  of  faith  in  which  he's  born 
Deserves,  obtains,  the  world's  contempt  and  scorn! 

Tamar 

And  as  for  him,   to  sacrifice  the  least 
For  her  who  sacrificed  for  him  so  much — 
The  dastard  had  not  strength  of  will  to  snap 
Love's  thread  before  it  grew  to  be  a  rope 
That  strangled  duty,  gratitude,  and  more, 
Killed  manhood,  for  it,  made  a  man  a  cur! 

Immi 

If  he  reflect,  he  must  despise  himself 

Whene'er  he  thinks  of  mother's  pain,  e'en  though 

She  suffers  silently,  as  mothers  do! 

Bataina 

Can  man  find  happiness  in  wedded  life 
If   parent's  grief   proclaims   his   treachery, 
Ingratitude  and  moral  cowardice? 

Tamar 

But  worse  than  all,  to  know  that  he  hath  been 
A  traitor  to  his  race,  his  faith,  his  God! 


Act  II  51 

1m  mi 

Thy  words  are  true,  most  true!    The  man  or  maid 

Who  marries  one  of  alien  faith  cannot 

Expect  a  happy  married  life.    For  how 

Can  happiness  exist  when  heart's  remorse 

Is  quickened  by  the  thought  of  memory 

Of  parent  dead  who,  if  in  life,  would  ne'er 

Approve?    Or  how  can  happiness  exist 

For  son  or  daughter  wed  with  consciousness 

That  he  or  she  by  taking  spouse  outside 

The  father's  faith  hath  hastened  father's  death, 

Or  aged  the  mother,  bent  her  gentle  frame 

With  pain,  humiliation,  all  the  more 

Pathetic  since,  through  love,  in  silence  borne! 

Sosana 

Some  men,  some  maids,  are  made  of  selfishness. 

The  mem'ry  of  the  dead,  or  love  for  those 

That  live,  counts  naught.     How  can  it  when  the 

thought 
Of  God  Himself  counts  naught? 

Myrrhine 

The  tragedy 

Becomes  complete  and  come  it  must  and  will. 
The  family  becomes  a  curse,  because 
For  others  one  example  leads  the  way! 
What  should  be  done  to  keep  the  others  true? 

Im  mi 

What  should  be  done?    Should  man  from  truthful 
ness 

Depart  to  make  his  gain  ?    Should  merchant  swerve 
From  honor's  line  for  profit  men  condemn? 


52  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Should  soldier  be  disloyal  to  his  flag 

Because  his  puling  child  would  call  to  him? 

Then  why  should  one,  to  gain  his  peace  of  mind, 

Depart  from  loyalty  to  God  because 

His  child  to  God  hath  been  disloyal?    Why 

Shall  parent  compromise  with  honor  just 

To  keep  or  win  the  love  of  traitor-child — 

To  gain  the  profit  of  a  traitor's  love, 

A  love  proved  false  in  that  it  stood  not  test? 

And  why  shall  father,  mother,  prove  to  be 

Disloyal  to  their  God  to  countenance, 

Or  compromise,  forgive  disloyalty? 

'Tis  agony  for  soldier  when  he  leaves 

His  loved  ones!     He  obeys!     For  duty  calls! 

'Tis  sorrow  for  a  martyr  when  he  thinks 

Of  loved  wife  or  child  he  leaves  to  fight 

A  cruel  world!     He  dies!     For  duty  calls! 

The  hero  dares  and  dies!     For  duty  calls! 

Let  parent  say,  My  God,  my  duty  calls! 

A  soldier's  heart,  a  crown  of  martyrdom, 

Some  heroism  let  me  have  to  dare 

To  serve  my  own,  my  father's  God!     My  son 

Hath  closed  his  heart  to  me;  his  love  was  but 

Pretense — my  heart,  my  door  is  closed  to  him ! 

His  love  is  dear  to  me,  but  yet  my  love 

For  God  is  dearer  yet!     My  daughter,  false 

To  me  and  worse,  so  false  to  God,  may  not 

Bring  traitress-kisses  born  from  traitress-heart! 

O  agony,  O  nameless  pain  when  child 

Betrays  his  sires,  his  faith,  his  race,  his  God ! 

Sosana 

We  live  in  mournful  days!    Besides  the  news 
Of  Jered  I  have  learned  that  fifteen  Jews 
Were  murdered  as  they  went  to  port  of  Tyre, 
Through  treachery  that  calls  to  mind  the  death 


Act  II  53 

Of  our  beloved  David,  Esther's  love.     ( To  Arbana- 

hal) 
How    long   since    thou    hast    seen    sweet   Esther? 

Strange 
That  those  who  are  so  gentle  meet  such  woe! 

Arbanahal 

Some  days  have  passed  since  last  we  met.     (Look 
ing  out)  But  there 
She  comes. 

Batalna 

Last  night  she  dreamed,  so  says  Myrrhine, 
The  mystic  dream.  'Tis  wonderful  how  swayed 
Her  mind  hath  been  since  that  eventful  night. 

Myrrhine 

In  truth  she  hath  not  been  herself  since  then. 

(Enter  Esther) 

Esther 

(Dreamily]  "Thou  art  the  humble  myrtle,  Esther, 

thou 
The  myrtle,  Hadassah, — the  myrtle,  thou!" 

(Sits  on  couch) 

Myrrhine 

'Tis  thus  she  ever  is  until  the  time 
Arrives  for  Mordecai's  return;  she  then 
Is  roused  and  seems  to  be  more  like  herself. 

(Enter  Mordecai) 

Mordecai 

Ah  floweret,  art  well  this  morn?    Indeed 
I  hope  so! 


54  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Esther 

(Arousing  herself}  Aye,  I  think  I  am,  but  yet 
At  times  I  feel  so  sad,  so  sad,  and  seem 
All  things  around  me  to  forget! 

(Enter  Saul,  Kish,  Asher,  and  others) 

Saul 

Good  friends, 

We  greet  you!     We  have  come  to  tell  you  that 
The  king  hath  just  been  pleased  to  publish  new 
A  law,  which,  certes,  means  a  loss  for  us! 

Zaphra 

(To  Saul)   Be  careful  what  you  say!     Last  night 

she  dreamed 

That  dream  again,  and  is  again  so  moved, 
So  much  affected,  that  we  are  afraid ! 
And,  more,  this  morn  commemorates  the  day 
When  David  met  his  mournful  fate! 

Saul 

'Tis  true! 

'Tis  true!     Forgive  me,  for  I  did  but  jest! 
But  now  remembering  her  grief,  all  mirth 
Departs,  like  when  the  sparkle  on  the  pool 
Is  lost  beneath  the  passing  cloud  that  hides 
The  joyous  sunshine.    David  was  as  good 
A  youth  as  ever  won  the  prize  of  love 
From  maiden's  heart !    And  Esther — 'deed  I  am 
In  sore  distress  to  see  her  thus,  poor  soul! 

Tamar 

I  hear  the  tramp  of  soldiers!     Asher,  see 

What  passes!    Times  are  such  that  none  can  say 

What  strange  things  come! 


Act  II  55 

Asher 

(At  lattice}  A  captain's  guard 

Comes  down  the   street.     It  halts!     The  captain 

seems 

To  look  for  something!  Ha!  He  pauses  here! — 
He  knocks! — He  enters! — And  two  men  on  guard 
He's  stationed  at  the  door!  (Enter  Captain) 

Captain 

Does  Mordecai 
The  Jew,  live  here? 

Mordecai 
He  does. 

Captain 

Is  Hadassah, 
Or  Esther,  still  his  ward  ? 

Mordecai 

She  is,  and,  lo, 
She  stands  before  thee! 

Captain 

Read  this  missive  then! 

Esther 

(Reads)   The  dews  have  fallen  many  times.     The 

moon 
Hath    waned    and    grown    again    while    changing 

months 

Have  brought  the  changing  seasons.  Nature's  face 
Hath  changed.  And  so  hath  Heaven's  firmament, 
As  storm  clouds  sweeping  o'er  have  been  displaced 


56  Esther  and  Harbonah 

By  glowing  sunshine,  and  the  frown  of  night 
Each  day  'fore  dawn's  bewitching  beauty  fled 
To  western  skies.     But  earth  and  heaven  both 
May  change,  yet  he  who  writes  this  changeth  not! 
Thou  did'st  refuse  to  wed  me,  me,  a  Prince! 
I  vowed  revenge.     My  purpose  hath  not  changed 
All  these  four  years.    At  last  my  chance  hath  come. 
Thou  know'st  that  Vashti  reigns  as  queen  no  more. 
At  my  suggestion,  all  the  maidens  fair 
Must  come  before  the  king,  that  he  may  choose 
For  queen    to   grace   his   throne,   the   maid   whose 

charms 

Of  witching  loveliness  around  his  heart 
Shall  weave  that  chain  which  not  the  strongest  man 
Can  break, — what  poets  rave  about, — what  kings 
And  peasants  all  experience, — what  fills 
The  veins  with  fevered  blood  and  sends  it  on 
With  bounding  rush  to  heart  and  brain,  to  drive 
All  other  thoughts  from  both! — They  call  it  Love! 
By  formal  edict  now  the  law  is  made 
That  ev'ry  maid  from  ev'ry  town  must  go 
Before  the  King.    Think  not  that  thou  art  safe! 
Think  not  the  love  of   Mordecai,  his  wealth, 
His  wit  shall  save  thee!    Ah!    Thou  said'st  thy  life 
Thou'dst  forfeit  ere  thou  wouldst  consent  to  wed 
Outside  thy  father's  faith!    Thou  must  obey 
The  king!     He  sends  for  thee,  for  Esther,  ward 
Of  Mordecai  the  Jew: — 'Twas  I  who  gave 
Thy  name!     'Tis  I  who  send  the  guard!     'Tis  I 
Who  tear  thee  from  thy  home!     And  if  mischance 
Should  place  the  crown  upon  thy  brow,  within 
A  day  I'd  poison  thee!     I  have  the  means! 
But  know  the  fate  as  my  revenge  shall  glut 
My  soul!     I'll  sway  the  king  to  send  thee  far 
From  kinsfolk,   friends,  and  all  thou  lov'st,  to  be 
A  slave,  a  royal  gift  to  some  satrap, 
And  in  a  distant  province,  where  the  blasts 


Act  II  57 

From  out  the  icy  northland  herald  snows 
Which  hide  earth's  barrenness  for  half  the  year, 
Shalt  thou,  unloved,  unknown,  drag  out  thy  life 
In  wretchedness  debased,  till  death  shall  come 
Too  tardy  for  thy  prayers!     Thy  curse  shall  meet 
Each  day!     Thy  sigh  shall  greet  each  hour!     Thy 

tears 

Shall  mark  the  night's  slow  progress!    Faint  shall  be 
Thy  heart  with  vain  regret,  and  crushed  shall  be 
Thy  spirit  as  thy  tortured  soul  shall  writhe 
In  frenzy  born  of  anguish  and  remorse! 
I  swore  I'd  be  revenged! — I  never  change! — 
And  thus  shalt  thou  remember 

MEMUCAN. 
Saul 

Give  me  that  letter!    Friends,  was  ever  heard 
Such  evidence  that  human  villainy 
Can  so  distort  the  human  mind, — that  hand 
And  brain  and  heart  so  treacherously  fail 
To  show  the  presence  of  the  soul,  the  spark 
Divine?    O  villain!     Though  thou  art  a  prince, 
And  I  a  lowly  Jew,  I  swear  by  all 
That's  holy,  that  thy  cowardice,  in  thus 
Addressing  one  who,  being  woman,  must 
Command  respect  from  ev'ry  man  whose  heart 
Is  loyal  to  his  manhood,  shall  receive 
Its  punishment! 

Bataina 

O  Saul,  thy  tongue  will  cost 
Thy  life! 

Saul 

Then  let  it  cost  my  life!     What  worth 
Is  life  if  all  we  love  is  thus  debased? 
O  men,  by  manhood,  by  our  life,  our  love 
For  God, — let  us  resist! 


58  Esther  and  Harbonah 

As  her 

Aye,  David's  blood 

Cries  loud  to  us!    Shall  we  stand  by  and  let 
The  maid  he  loved  become  the  prey  of  one 
Whom  men  call  Memucan,  but  whom  we  call 
A  devil,  fiend  incarnate?     By  the  soul 
Of  my  dead  father,  Esther  shall  not  go! 

Kish 

No,  no!     Shall  we  permit  our  maids  to  be 
Thus  torn  from  home,  from  purity,  from  all 
That's  holy,  to  become  dishonored  toys 
For  Persia's  vile  nobility?     I  swear 
It  shall  not  be!     Come,  brothers,  fight,  I  say! 

Myrrhlne 

Yea,  fight!     O  save  us  from  this  dreadful  fate! 
To  leave  our  home,  and  all  we  love,  to  live 
Amidst  surroundings  where  we  cannot  serve 
Our  God,  as  father,  mother,  served  Him  all 
Their  lives!     Ye  men!     Be  craven  cowards,  or 
Be  men! 

(The  men  gather  in  front  of  the  women  and  men 
ace  the  captain  and  the  guard.  Esther  makes 
her  way  to  the  wall,  keeping  her  face  towards 
the  captain.} 

Esther 

I  will  not  go!     I'll  die  before 
I'll  wed  outside  my  faith!      (Seizes  a  dagger  from 
the  wall,  attempts  to  stab  herself.     The  cap 
tain   leaps  to   her  side   and  seizes  her  wrist.} 
My  dream !    O  God ! 
My  father's  dying  word — "Except  a  king!" — 


Act  II  59! 

0  God  of  Israel!     I  cannot  think! 

O!     Must  I  give  my  honor  that  my  race 
From  some  impending  danger  shall  be  saved? 

All 

Thou  shalt  not  go!  (The  men  seize  weapons  from 
the  walls.) 

Captain 

I  must  arrest  her,  then! 
My  orders  are  to  take  her  to  Hagai, 
The  keeper  of  the  women  for  the  king, 
And  friend  of  Memucan — worst  fate  for  her! 
My  orders  say,  (Reading]  If  Mordecai  would  bribe, 
Refuse!     If  friends  resist,  then  cut  them  down! 
They're  only  dogs!     But  by  thy  life,  bring  her 
By  force  as  I  command! 

All 

It  shall  not  be!  (Saul  throws  himself  on  the  cap 
tain.  Two  of  the  guards  throw  him  down. 
The  other  men  prepare  to  fight.) 

Esther 

Shall  I  bring  death  to  these  my  friends?    My  God! 
Where  is  my  duty?    O,  I  go!    Holdback!     (Asher 

falls,   stabbed  by    one   of   the  guard.     Esther 

shrieks. ) 

1  go!     I  go!     No  blood  shall  fall  for  me!     (The 

men  draw  off,  Mordecai  advances.) 

Mordecai 

(Taking  her  hand)  Thou'rt  dazed,  my  child,  and 

art  not  well! 
Thou  knowest  not  what  thou  art  speaking!     Try 


60  Esther  and  Harbonah 

And  calm  thyself!     I'll  see  the  chamberlain! 
I  have  his  friendship! — Once  I  saved  his  life! 
I'll  offer  all  my  wealth  to  keep  thee  home! 
Without  thee,  life  for  me  will  be  so  dark 
That  reason  will  its  seat  forsake!     For  death 
I'd  pray! — And  yet  I'd  pray  to  live, — I'd  die 
In  agony  of  pain  without  thy  voice 
To  thrill  my  heart, — I'd  live  to  rescue  thee 
From  fate  most  awful,  whether  spouse  of  king 
Or  slave  of  vassal! 

Esther 

(Kneeling)    No,  O  Mordecai, 

My  kinsman,  nay,  my  father,  hear  thy  child! 

I  must  go  hence  at  once!     The  king  commands! 

My  destiny, — my  fate  impels, — and  I 

Obey.      (Cries) 

Mordecai 
O  Esther,  Hadassah! 

Esther 

(Starts  to  her  feet)  Ah  me! 

That  name!     The  angel  spake  it  in  my  dream! 

(Walks  forward) 

"Thou    art   the   humble   myrtle, — Esther,    thou, 
The  myrtle,  Hadassah,  the  myrtle,  thou! 
(Excitedly)   Thou  fate,   I  go!     I  go!     O  father, 

thou 
Must  try  forget  me!     (Weeps) 

Mordecai 

Nay,  my  darling,  what 
Is  it  that  so  distresses  thee?     O  speak, 
For  thou  dost  rend  my  heart !    O  misery ! 


Act  II  61 

Chorus.    "Lo,  How  AWFUL  Is  TH'  EMOTION!" 

Lo!     How  awful  is  th'  emotion 
Moving  thus  her  gentle  frame! 
Doth  her  dream  tell  Heaven's  bidding? 
Do  the  fates  their  victim  claim? 
To  the  Higher  Power,  Esther, 
We  commend  thee,  we,  thy  friends! 

Esther 

Heaven's  voice  is  calling,  saying 
That  my  destiny  is  working. 
Thus  I  go,  its  will  obeying, 
Meeting  all  the  perils  lurking 
In  the  dark  and  mystic  future, 
Threatening  the  chosen  race! 

Myrrhine 

Darling,  listen  to  us  praying 
Heaven's  aid,  that  any  parting 
Be  prevented,  thus  allaying 
Sorrow's  pain  which  now  is  darting 
Through  the  hearts  of  all  thy  friends — 
All  thy  friends  who  love  thee  well! 

Mordecai 

Daughter,  what  is  it  possessing 
Mystic  pow'r  o'er  thy  affection, 
Grieving  us  and   thee  distressing? 
Pause  and  think  in  calm  reflection. — 
Dost  thou  love  me?   Dost  thou  love  me? 
Would  that  I  could  die  for  thee! 

Esther 

( Taking  Mordecai  s  hand  between  hers,  and  kneel 
ing} 


62  Esther  and  Harbonah 

O  father,  press  me  not,  for  I  must  leave 

Thy  roof  which  long  hath  sheltered  me  and  go 

Where  fate  commands  me!    Let  me  know  each  day 

How  thou  art  faring!     Once  immured  within 

The  royal  palace-halls  it  may  be  hard 

For  me  to  freely  hear  from  thee,  or  thou 

From  me, — for  spies  abound,  I  know  it  well! 

But  if  thou  hast  of  news  important,  such 

As  thou  would'st  have  me  know  by  trusty  slave, 

Then  this  thou'lt  do!     Be  near  at  hand  and  ask 

To  see  the  queen's  own  private  choir,  and  bid 

Them  sing  to  me  a  Hebrew  melody 

Which  I  will  recognize  as  warning  me, 

According  as  it  is  Hallel  of  praise 

Or  mournful  song  to  mournful  numbers  wed, 

That  thou  hast  news  of  good  or  ill.     Farewell! 

Alas,  farewell!     I  must  obey  my  fate!     (Mordecai 

caresses  her.} 

Nay,  do  not  try  to  keep  me!     Heaven  knows 
My  heart  is  broken  thus  to  leave  the  home 
Where  love  of  thine  e'er  chased  all  cares  away! 
'Tis  God  who  calls  me  forth!     As  well  attempt 
To  stay  our  fate  as  stay  the  cataract 
That   leaps    from   Ombra's   heights   with    seething 

flood 

To  find  its  bed  in  dark  and  deep  abyss 
Below!     What  lies  for  me  in  future  stored 
I  know  and  care  not!    Firm  in  trust  in  God  (Aris 
ing) 

I  go  prepared  for  all!     Aye,  myrtle  braves 
The  coming  tempest  as  my  dream  foretold, 
And  Esther  goes,  perhaps  a  sacrifice 
For  Judah's  race!     If  storms  be  coming,  black 
With  Persia's  hate  and  doomed  to  burst  upon 
The  heads  of  our  devoted  nation,  I 
Will  dare  the  tyrant,  if  I  die,  I  die! 
This,  this  is  Esther's  mission!     Come  the  worst, 


Act  II  63 

Ye  stormclouds,  I,  the  humble  myrtle  first 
Will  break  your  strength  with  Heaven's  aid! 
Come  fate,  come  fate,  thy  will  shall  be  obeyed! 

Chorus.     HEARKEN  TO  THY  SONS 

Hearken  to  thy  son's  offending 
Asking  mercy ! — Let  Thine  ears 
Heed  our  cry! — Do  Thou,  descending, 
Answer  with  Thy  help  the  tears 
Of  the  exiled,  outcast  band 
Trembling  in  the  foeman's  land! 

Curtain 


ACT  III 

SCENE  I 
(An  interval  of  four  years  is  supposed  to  Intel  vene.) 

King's  reception  chamber.  Courtiers  seated.  Guards 
with  weapons,  ushers  in  front  with  staves  of 
office.  The  royal  throne  is  in  the  centre,  on 
a  raised  platform  with  steps.  Haman  and 
Hatach  are  in  front.  Harbonah  is  seated  near 
the  throne,  and  watches  them. 

Haman 

(To  Hatach}    How  sayest  thou?     He  would  not 

bend  nor  bow 
To  me,  the  King's  Vizier? 

Hatach 

E'en  so,  great  Prince! 
For  many  days  we  chided  him  and  asked 
Him  how  he  dared  transgress  the  king's  command 
And  neither  bend  nor  bow  to  thee,  as  saith 
The  royal  order. 

Haman 
Knowest  thou  his  name? 

Hatach 

'Tis  Mordecai,  his  sire,  Jair;  whose  sire, 
Shim'i  was  son  of  Kish,  a  Benjamite, 
64 


Act  III  65 

Whom  Nebuchadnezzar  took  captive  with 
The  king  of  Judah.     (Exit  Hatach) 

Haman 

What?     'Tis  Mordecai! 
Again  he  crosses  me?    'Tis  well  for  him 
He  gazes  on  the  ground  when  I  behold 
His  stubborn  form  erect  'mong  all  the  throng! 
Had  I  but  viewed  his  face,  the  ev'ning  sun 
Had  certain  seen  him  hanged!    What  wretched  fate 
Brings  him  again  to  make  me  gnash  my  teeth 
With  anger  and  vexation?    Twice  offence 
He's  given  me!     Eight  years  ago  he  mocked 
My  need !     For  when  I  bade  him  come  to  me 
That  I  might  ask  his  money-aid,  he  failed 
To  see  that  I  had  honored  him  in  that 
I  asked  a  Jew  to  enter  Persian's  house! 
He  mocked  me  and  declared  that  he  was  not 
A  money-lender,  since  to  Persian  rogues 
That  trade  he  left!     Again  when  I  had  thought 
To  win  his  money  and  his  ward  at  once, 
He  took  me  to  his  house  and  made  me  ask 
The  maiden's  own  consent!     Right  well  he  knew 
That  she  would  mock  at  me!     I'll  be  avenged 
And  have  his  life!     Like  David,  son  of  Hur, 
The  Jewish  lover  of  that  maid  I  wooed, 
He'll  pay  the  penalty  of  crossing  me ! — 
I'll  have  his  life!     And  more,  his  hated  race 
Shall  die  with  him!     (Musing}  But  how  to  do  it? 

How 

To  get  the  king's  consent?    Is  there  a  man 
So  much  annoyed  as  I?     He  will  not  bend 
To  me!    The  tree  that  bends  not,  breaks!    Aye,  he 
And  all  his  cursed  race  shall  die!     I  swear 
By    Persia's    gods   it   shall    be   done!      But   how? 

(Walks  thoughtfully) 


66  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Harbonah 

(Accosting  him)  My  lord  is  very  thoughtful!     Can 

I  ease 

His  mind's  anxiety?     (Aside)  I  would  his  heart 
Were  racked  to  pieces  with  it! 

Haman 

Aye,  thou  canst; 

(Significantly)   The  traitors  'round  the  king  must 
be  removed! 

Harbonah 
The  traitors?     Thou  art  jesting! 

Haman 

I  am  not! 

I  have  discovered  that  a  certain  prince 
Much  honored  by  the  king,  had  dealings  vile 
With  both  Bigtan  and  Teresh  who  the  life 
Of  Persia's  king  attempted. 

Harbonah 

Good  my  lord, 
It  grieves  me  thus  to  hear  thee  speak! 

Haman 

'Twill  grieve 

Thee  more  'fore  I  have  done, — for  Harbonah 
Is  charged  with  knowing  more  of  these  two  men 
Than  trusted  chamberlain  should  know! 

Harbonah 

What?     I? 


Act  III  67 

Haman 

Yes,  thou!    As  traitor  do  I  charge  thee  to 
Thy  face! 

Harbonah 

(Angrily}  Prince  Haman!     I  deny  it!    Twice 
Hast  thou  affronted  me  without  the  right 
Of  justice!     (Recovering  himself  and  bowing} 

Yet  I  love  thy  grace  so  well 
That  never  can  I  take  offense  from  thee! 
I  know  not  aught  of  that  vile  plot!     I  swear 
My  innocence  by  all  the  gods  above! 

Haman 

Didst  ever  hire  Bigtan  and  Teresh  with 

Accomplices  most  desperate,  to  kill 

The  object  of  thy  burning  wrath  and  hate? 

Harbonah 

Aye,  so  I  did!    But  not  to  slay  the  king — 
'Twas  but  to  slay  a  Jew,  a  wretched  Jew 
Who'd  angered  me,  (Keenly  watching  Haman}, 
one  David,  son  of  Hur! 

Haman 

(Aside,     starting     involuntarily}     Another     secret 
known ! 

Harbonah 

Was  that  a  crime? 
(Aside}   I  had  you  there!     I  love  you!     Yes,  so 

much, 

That  if  thou  wert  to  lie  beneath  my  feet, 
I'd  leave  thee  not  until  the  life  were  stamped 


68  \  Esther  and  Harbonah 

From  out  thy  hated  body!     Once  thou  hadst 
The  luck  to  'scape  my  vengeance!     Now  thou'rt 

back 

From  righting  Persia's  outside  foes,  thou  hast 
An  enemy  more  dangerous  at  home 
In  me!     And  by  the  gods,  I'll  be  avenged! 

Haman 

( Coming  forward}  We  must  be  friends ;  and  I  will 

save  you  all 

The  danger  of  the  charge  already  made 
Before  the  king! 

Harbonah 

I  thank  thee,  Prince.  Thou  know'st 
That  I  regard  thee  as  my  brother!  (Aside}  He 
Or  I  must  fall,  and  that  right  soon!  On  which 
Of  us  does  fortune  smile? 

Ushers  outside 

"The  king!" 

Ushers  inside 

"The  king!" 

(All  rise.  Haman  and  Harbonah  take  their  sta 
tions  by  the  throne.  The  guards  prepare  to  sa 
lute.  Enter  procession  in  the  following  order: 
Chamberlain,  guards,  ushers,  pages  bearing 
scepter  on  cushion;  guards,  Hatach,  royal 
crown  on  cushion,  the  king,  whose  entry  is  af' 
companied  by  all  the  courtiers  bowing  oriental 
fashion  (Salaam}  until  he  ascends  the  throne. 
Pages  bear  train.  At  end  of  each  throne-step 
two  pages  sit,  except  on  the  top-step  which  is 
left  vacant.  Crown  and  scepter  supported  on 


Act  III  69 

the  knees  of  pages  on  second  step,  until  the 
ushers  and  guards  closing  the  procession  have 
entered  and  taken  up  their  positions.  Scepter 
then  presented  to  the  King.} 

Chorus.     "ALL   HAIL  OF  EARTHLY  KINGS  THE 
FIRST!" 

All  hail  of  earthly  kings  the  first! 

Long  live  the  king,  we  cry! 
May  all  his  foes  be  e'er  dispersed 

Like  clouds  across  the  sky! 

As  bend  the  boughs  when  tempest  blows, 

As  leaves  in  autumn  fall, 
So  bend  and  fall  all  Persia's  foes, 

In  vain  for  help  they  call! 

From  lands  remote,  the  captives  bring 

For  tribute  all  their  store; 
Long  live  the  mighty  Persian  king, 

The  conqueror  in  war! 

King 

What  state-affairs  now  claim  our  royal  heed? 

Haman 

Of  pressing  haste  there's  nought,  your  majesty, 
There's  nought  of  outward  source.    Thy  realms  at 

peace 

From  India  to  Cush,  of  provinces 
A  hundred  twenty-seven,  over  which 
Thy  rule  extends.     For  who  can  stand  before 
The  power  of  thine  arms?    There's  none  on  earth! 
Peace  reigns  supreme !     A  deputation  waits 
From  all  thy  provinces  to  tender  thee 


7O  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Their  duty  and  congratulations  true 

By  paying  homage  on  this  day  that  marks 

Thy  kingdom's  happy  anniversary. 

King 

The  royal  thanks  are  thine!     To  thee  belongs 
The  credit  for  reducing  all  to  peace 
Beneath  our  sway!    What  can  we  in  reward 
Bestow  upon  our  trusty  Haman?     We 
Would  fain  express  the  approbation  which 
He  earns,  and  give  substantial  proof  of  what 
We  mean! 

Haman 

Your  Majesty  is  much  too  good! 
Already  hast  thou  placed  me   'fore   the   rest 
Of  all  thy  court!     That  Haman  loves  the  king, 
He  need  hot  say!     (Hesitatingly}  And  loving  him, 

he  feels 
Distressed ! 

King 

What?     Speak,  what  cause  exists  that  thou 
Of  all  my  courtiers  now  shouldst  feel  distressed? 

Haman 

Your  Majesty,  there  is  a  people  which 

Dispersed  and  scattered  through  thy  realms  are  yet 

Among  thy  subjects  separated.     Yea, 

The  laws  that  govern  them  are  different 

From  those  of  ev'ry  nation,  and  the  laws 

Of  Persia's  king  they  do  not  execute, 

Nor  is  it  to  thy  profit  that  thou  shouldst 

This  people  tolerate.     Now  if  it  please 

The  king,  so  great  the  love  of  duty  which 


Act  m  ^l 

I  bear  thee,  let  an  edict  be  decreed 
Commanding  their  destruction,  and  a  sum 
Of  silver  talents  will  I  pay,  in  all 
Ten  thousand,  to  the  treasures  of  the  king. 

King 

Ah,  Haman!     Ever  loving,  ever  true 

And  never  knowing  sacrifice  too  great! 

The  silver  thou  shalt  keep.     And  now  to  show 

That  we  appreciate  thy  watchfulness 

For  Persia's  glory  which  this  people  hold 

In  no  respect,  in  that  they  honor  not 

The  laws  that  we  have  passed,  I  give  them  all 

To  thee,  to  do  with  them  what  seemeth  good! 

And  this  I  hand  to  thee,  the  royal  seal,    (Giving 

Haman  his  ring) 
That  all  may  do  thy  bidding! 

Haman. 

(Kneeling)  What  I  say 

But  feebly  echoes  what  of  gratitude 
I  would  express  for  favor  undeserved. 
There  is  no  haste 

King 

(Interrupting)  Solicitous  am   I 

To  execute  thy  plans !     Call  in  the  scribes. 
What  time  dost  thou  prefer?  What  month?  What 
day?     (Enter  scribes.) 

Haman 

The  thirteenth  day  of  what  they  call  Adar. 
(Aside)  So  said  the  lots  I  cast! — Ye  gods!    I  wind 
The  king  around  my  finger  like  a  straw ! 


^2  Esther  and  Harbonah 

King 

(To  scribes)   To  governors  and  princes,   all  who 

rule 

In  Persia's  name,  in  ev'ry  province  thus 
The  king  commands  and  seals  it  with  his  ring; 
That  all  the  Jews  in  all  the  realm  shall  die 
The  thirteenth  day  of  month  Adar,  the  old 
And  young,  the  women;  and  the  children;  all 
Their  goods  to  be  the  spoil  of  him  who  likes! 
Let  this  be  sent  by  royal  post  throughout 
The  hundred  twenty-seven  provinces, 
And  be  it  now  proclaimed  with  trumpet  sound 
From  off  the  royal  palace  terraces! 

( Trumpets  sound  without.  Proclamation  repeated.) 

Chorus.    (Mob  outside)   DOWN  WITH  THE  JEWS 

Down  with  the  Jews!     Down  with  the  Jews! 
Death  to  the  nation  which  dares  to  refuse 
To  honor  the  laws  of  the  king  of  the  realm! 
Ho !     Slaughter  and  plunder — Up !     Slay,  over 
whelm 

In  death  and  destruction  the  whole  of  the  race! 
Ho!     Death  to  the  nation!     We'll  leave  not  a 

trace 

Of  people  so  hated!    With  fire  and  with  sword 
We'll   kill   throughout  Persia  the  thrice  cursed 
horde ! 

Officers  of  the   Court 

Your  Majesty,  a  deputation  waits 

And  asks  thy  grace  to  enter  and  be  heard! 

King 

Did  ever  Persia's  king  refuse  to  hear 


Act  III  73 

The  prayers  of  his  people?  Bid  them  come! 

(Enter  a  deputation  of  Hebrews.   King  extends  his 

scepter  to  the  leader.) 

Spokesman 

Your  Majesty,  may  Heaven  bless  thy  pow'r! 
Thy  servants,  we,  the  heads  of  synagogues 
And  colleges,  were  passing  by  the  gate 
Of  this  thy  palace,  in  the  bridal  train 
Of  one  who  weds  to-day  the  head  of  all 
The  Jews  within  thy  realm.     O  let  us  speak! 
Thy  proclamation  have  we  heard !    We  come 
Entreating  thee  before  it  is  too  late, 
Lest  word  of  thine  shall  loose  foul  massacre, 
Rapine  and  Hate,  against  thy  Hebrew  slaves! 
What  have  we  done, — what  is  our  crime? 

King 

Enough ! 

When  once  the  royal  word  is  passed,  'tis  law! 
And  by  the  law  of  Persians  and  of  Medes, 
A  law  once  passed  can  never  be  recalled! 

Chorus.     IN  ANGUISH  WE  CRY 

Father  in  Heaven,  in  anguish  we  cry 

To  Thee,  our  Protector!     O  send  from  on  high 
Message  of  comfort;  O  stretch  out  Thy  hand 

And  rescue  Thy  servants  in  enemy's  land! 
O  Thou  Omnipotent,  humbly  we  cry! 

As  panteth  the  hart  in  his  thirst  for  the  stream, 
So  sigh  we  for  mercy, — Bestow  but  a  gleam 

Of  hope  for  Thy  people,  Thou,  throned  above! 
O  haste  to  our  Help,  through  Thy  fatherly  love! 

Father  Omnipotent,  humbly  we  cry! 


74  Esther  and  Harbonah 

( This  chorus  of  the  Hebrews  may  be  repeated, 
while  the  mob  outside  sings  as  follows,  the 
music  of  the  prayer  and  the  mob-chorus  har 
monising,  while  the  courtiers  blend  the  melody 
of  the  "All  Hail  of  Earthly  Kings.'") 

Chorus  of  Mob  (Outside}.   "THE  RAVENS  SHALL 
GLUT!" 

The  ravens  shall  glut  on  the  feast  to  be  spread! 
The  land  shall  be  hid  'neath  the  heaps  of  their  dead! 
The  echoes  shall  answer  their  last  dying  cry, 
The  flames  leaping  upward  shall  redden  the  sky 
And  feed  on  their  bodies,  till  furious  and  wild 
They  end  the  whole  nation,  man,  woman  and  child. 
Then  down  with  the  Jews!     Ho!     Death  to  the 

Jews! 
Ye  gods  of  great  Persia,  bring  death  to  the  Jews! 

Curtain  falls 


SCENE  II 

(Esther's  apartment  in  the  royal  palace;  couches, 
etc.  Myrrhine  and  Zerdatha.  Queen's  Choir 
outside) 

Myrrhine 
Zerdatha,  has  the  queen  retired  to-day? 

Zerdatha 
She  has,  at  least  I  hope  she  has! 

Myrrhine 

And  why? 


Act  III  75 

Zerdatha 

Because  the  outcry  raised  against  the  Jews 
Fills  all  the  palace. 

Myrrhine 
(Astonished)  What  is  that  thou  say'st? 

Zerdatha 

Against  the  Jews? 

Why,  yes!     Hast  thou  not  heard? 

Myrrhine 
Zerdatha,  no!     I  prithee  tell  me  all! 

Zerdutha 

The  king,  at  Haman's  pray'r,  hath  made  a  law 
That  all  the  Jews  in  all  the  realm  shall  die 
The  thirteenth  of  the  month  Adar,  the  old, 
The  young,  the  women  and  the  children ;  and 
Their  goods  shall  be  the  spoil  of  him  who  likes ! 
When  first  he  made  the  law  that  ev'ry  man 
Should  be  the  master  in  his  house,  they  all 
Who  heard  it  wondered  what  was  meant!    And 

now 

He  makes  a  law  to  kill  the  Jews;  a  race 
So  harmless!    All  Shushan  is  much  perplexed! 
Myrrhine 

(Aside)    Great  heaven!    Woe,  my  mistress!    See, 
she  comes!  (Enter  Esther) 

Esther 

(Takes  seat  on  couch) 

For  four  years,  aye,  and  more,  have  I  been  queen 

And  never  once  the  mystic  cause  that  sent 


76  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Me  from  my  childhood's  roof  have  I  forgot. 
But  yesternight  the  old,  old  dream  appalled 
Me  with  its  vividness.     In  all  the  years 
That  I  have  passed  within  these  walls,  not  once 
It  came  to  me  until  the  night  which  just 
Hath  fled! 

Myrrhine 
Your  Majesty  is  sad  to-day! 

Esther 

Myrrhine,  the  olden  name  hath  sweeter  sound! 

I  love  not  state,  and  in  my  chamber  'lone 

With  thee,  I  would  have  none  of  it!    God  know'th 

That  I  detest  the  glory  of  a  queen! 

I  hate  this  state!     I  loathe  this  wedded  life! 

(Weeps,  then  rises  in  prayer.) 
O  God!  Thou  know'st  my  heart,  my  agony! 
My  queenship  I  abhor !    The  crown,  the  robes 
Of  royalty  I  never  wear  unless 
Compelled !    The  court,  the  life,  the  food,  I  loathe ! 
Not  once  hath  unclean  food  defiled  my  soul! 
Thy  Holy  Days,  Thy  Sabbaths,  I  have  kept! 
But  never  peace  of  soul  have  I,  Thy  child, 
Once  known  since  I  was  torn  from  Mordecai 
And  dragged  to  this  accursed  agony 
Of  gilded  prison-shame,  of  womanhood 
Degraded!     God  of  Abraham,  my  trust 
Is  firm  in  Thee!     Is  firm  in  Thee! 

Myrrhine 

What  ails 
My  darling?     (Leads  her  to  a  couch) 

Esther 

Yesternight  I  dreamt  the  dream 
Again.    Thou  canst  remember  it? 


Act  III  77 

Myrrhine 

Ah,  yes! 

Esther 

(Soft  music}  And  when  the  mystic  voice  declared 

that  I 

Was  Hadassah  the  myrtle,  soft  I  heard 
An  angels'  chorus  sings  "The  time's  at  hand!" 
I  started  in  my  dream.     I  waked,  and  saw 
A  brilliant  flash  of  glorious  light  fly  swift 
Across  the  sky!     And  since  that  moment,  I 
Have  heard  the  angels'  voices  ever  chant 
"The    time's   at   hand,"    "The   time's    at   hand!" 

While  I 

Am  conscious  of  the  helpless  feeling  which 
Before  possessed  me!     Destiny  is  like 
A  mighty  torrent,  carrying  all  with  flood 
Resistless!     How  can  I  withstand  it,  if 
I  would?     (Zerdatha  fans  the  queen  as  she  reclines 

on  couch.) 

Myrrhine 

(Comes  forward)  'Tis  strange  that  Esther  dreams 

again 

The  very  night  succeeding  this  command 
To  slaughter  all  her  people!     Can  it  be 
That  she  is  heaven-chosen,  and  designed 
To  save  our  race  beneath  the  peril  which 
Endangers  our  existence?    True  it  is, 
As  Judah's  sages  teach,  a  Providence 
Protects  the  chosen  nation,  and  to  save 
Us  watches  ever!     But  is  Esther  queen 
To  bring  about  our  nation's  safety?     She 
Is  queen  because  a  dream  enthralled  her  mind. 
That  dream!    Did  Heaven  send  it?    God  will  tell! 
Of  old  the  ringer  of  the  Lord  for  us 
In  Egypt  moved; — perchance  it  moveth  now! 


78  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Zerdatha 

Now  if  it  please  your  majesty  to  call 
The  royal  singers,  they  will  sing  and  chase 
Away  the  care  which  sits  enthroned  upon 
Thy  brow,  sweet  Hadassah! 

Esther 

Aye — let  them  sing 

Without  the  chamber,  that  the  music  soft 
May  sound,  and  be  in  more  accord  with  what 
My  heart  now  feels — misgiving — sadness — woe! 

(As  she  reclines,  a  few  bars  are  played  of  the  psalm 
for  the  house  of  mourning*) 

(Esther  listens,  startled  and  in  fear.  The  choir 
hardly  sings  a  line  before  she  starts  up  with  a 
cry,  exclaiming) 

The  song  of  death !    The  song  of  death ! — 'Tis  sung 

Where  dead  are  mourned!     Alas  for  Mordecai! 

He's  dead!     He's  dead, — and  I  was  not  with  him! 

(She  buries  her  face  in  the  cushions,  convulsed  with 
grief;  Myrrhine  and  Zerdatha  comfort  her.) 

Choir  outside.     PSALM  XLIX 

"O  hearken  to  this,  all  ye  people,  I  pray, 

Both  humble  and  high,  aye,  both  needy  and  rich, 

All  dwellers  of  earth,  O  give  ear  and  attend! 

*  This  belongs  to  the  class  of  melodies  known  as  Al- 
martaye,  from  the  Spanish  "El  Mortaja,"  "hymn  of 
the  shroud"  (Sachs).  Jellinek  derives  it  from  the  Ara 
bic,  equivalent  to  Oratio  funebris.  (D.  A.  de  Sola. 
Essay  on  ancient  music  of  Spanish  and  Portuguese 
Jews,  London,  1857). 


Act  III  79 

My  mouth  shall  give  utt'rance  to  things  that  are 

wise ! 

Mine  ear  I'll  incline  to  the  parable  dark, 
And  open  my  myst'ry  with  harps'  sweetest  chord! 
Oh  why  shall  I  fear  for  the  darkest  of  days? 
Can  guile  of  deceivers  encompass  me? 
The  wise  and  the  foolish  all  perish  alike, 
The  vile  and  the  good,  all  are  mortals  and  die." 

Myrrhine 

0  Esther,  fear  not!     Rather  let  me  send 
For  Mordecai;  he  lives;  he  is  not  dead! 

Zerdatha 

1  saw  him  as  he  went  from  out  the  gate 
This  very  morning,  for  he  passed  beneath 
My  lattice! 

Esther 
(Moaning)   Send,  Oh,  send  for  Mordecai! 

Myrrhine 

(To  page)  Is  Hatach  there  in  waiting?     (Exit  and 
enter  page) 

Page 
Hatach  comes!     (Enter  Hatach) 

Myrrhine 

What  news  is  there  of  Mordecai  who  sits 
Beneath  the  palace  gate? 

Hatach 

The  law  declares 
That  no  man  enters  royal  presence  clad 


8o  Esther  and  Harbonah 

In  sackcloth  or  with  signs  of  mourning.    Thus 
Hath  Mordecai  departed  from  the  gate. 

Esther 

(Alarmed)    What's    that    thou    sayest!      Go    to 

Mordecai 

And  take  him  clothes  and  bid  him  cast  aside 
The  sackcloth!  Ask  him  what  it  is  and  why 
He  mourns!  (Exit  Hatach)  I  feel,  I  know,  some 

ill  impends! 

Choir.     FRET  NOT.     Psalm  XXXVII 

"Fret  not  thyself  because  of  evildoers,  neither  be 

thou  envious  against  the  workers  of  iniquity, 
For  they  shall  soon  be  cut  down  like  grass,  and 

wither  as  the  green  herb. 
Trust  in  the  Lord  and  do  good ;  so  shalt  thou  dwell 

in  the  land  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed. 
Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord ;  and  He  shall  give 

thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart. 
Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord ;  trust  also  in  Him, 

and    He    shall   bring   it    to   pass; 
And  He  shall  bring  forth  thy  righteousness  as  the 

light,  and  thy  judgment  as  the  noon-day. 
Rest  in  the  Lord  and  wait  patiently  for  Him;  fret 

not  thyself  because  of  him  who  prospereth  in 

his  way,   because  of   the  man  who   bringeth 

wicked  devices  to  pass." 

Hatach 

Your  Majesty,  a  message  thus  he  sends, — 
That  Haman  promises  to  pay  the  king 
A  sum  of  money  that  he  may  destroy 
The  Jews,  and  thus  it  is  expressed  in  this 
A  copy  of  the  law  which  thou'rt  to  read. 


Act  III  81 

Myrrhine 
(Takes  the  paper  from  him  and  reads:) 

"That  all  the  Jews  in  all  the  realm  shall  die 
The  thirteenth  of  the  month  Adar,  the  old 
And  young,  the  women  and  the  children,  and 
Their  goods  to  be  the  spoil  of  him  who  likes." 

Hatach 

And  thus  I  am  to  speak  to  thee,  the  queen, 
From  Mordecai,  that  thou  must  go  thyself 
And  supplicate  the  king  to  save  thy  race. 

Esther 

(Aside}   My  dream!     At  last,  my  dream!     I  go! 

Oh,  fate! 
I  go!     Yet  stay — (Hesitates)    My  heart  misgives 

me — death 

Is  said  to  be  the  penalty  for  those 
Who  go  unsummoned  'fore  the  king;  then  how 
Can  I  attempt  to  see  him?     I'll — No,  I — 
Great  God  of  Israel!     What  shall  I  do? — 
A  woman  weak! — I  know  not  how  to  act! — 

(Pauses  and  thinks  a  moment) 

Say  this  to   Mordecai:  he  surely  knows, 
As  all  in  Persia  know,  that  no  one  dares 
To  enter  royal  presence  in  the  court 
Where  king  is  throned,  except  that  he  be  called. 
Nor  man  nor  woman  dare  intrude,  for  death's 
Declared  the  penalty  by  Persia's  law. 
And  I  for  thirty  days  have  not  been  called. 
Thus  say  to  Mordecai,  I  dare  not  go!     (Exit  Ha 
tach) 
But  yet  should  not  the  myrtle  dare  the  storm? 


82  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Oh!  God  forgive  me!    What  is  it  I  said? 

I  go!     (Calls)  Ho!  Hatach!    Call  him  back!    Say 

true 

To  fate  the  myrtle  goes!     Queen  Esther  goes! 
For  God's  my  help — I  go — O  say  I  go! 

Myrrhine 

Be  strong!     O  Hadassah!     Alas,  the  day 
That  thou  didst  leave  the  roof  of  Mordecai! 

Esther 

(Excited)   No,  no!     'Twas  fate!     'Twas  destiny, 

in  truth 
'Twas  God!    Yes,  Esther  goes!    I  go!    I  go! 

Myrrhine 

Remember,  Heaven  never  fails  to  save 
The  sons  of  Jacob  in  emergency! 

Esther 

We'll  pray  for  aid.     (To  page}  Go,  bid  them  sing 

the  hymn 
Consigning  us  and  all  we  have  to  God.     (Exit  page 

to  choir) 

Choir  (outside) 

Psalm  cxxiii:  I  LIFT  UP  MINE  EYES  TO  THE 
MOUNTAINS 

"I  lift  up  mine  eyes  to  the  mountains,  whence  com- 
eth  my  help.  .  .  ." 

(Enter  Hatach) 

Hatach 

Thus  Mordecai  commands  me  to  the  queen: 
"Imagine  not  within  thy  soul  that  thou 


f     Act  III  83 

Shalt  find  escape  in  palace  walls  of  all 
The  Jews.     For  if  thou  wilt  indeed  maintain 
A  silence  now,  be  sure  enlargement  and 
Deliverance  shall  rise  from  other  source 
To  save  the  Jews.     But  thou,  thy  father's  house, 
Shall  surely  die!    And  who  can  know  but  that 
For  such  a  time  as  this  thou  wert  enthroned 
As  Persia's  queen?" 

Esther 

Return  to  Mordecai, 

For  Esther  knows  herself  again  and  now 
She  falters  not!    And  thus  thou  art  to  say: 
"Go,  gather  all  the  Jews  Shushan  can  count 
And  fast  for  me;  aye,  neither  eat  nor  drink 
By  day  or  night  until  three  days  be  passed ; 
And  thus  will  I  and  all  my  maids  as  well. 
Then  Esther  goes  before  the  royal  throne, — 
Against  the  law, — but  Hadassah  dares  all, 
And  if  I  perish,  then  I  perish !     Aye, 
At  last  I  face  my  mission!     Come  the  worst, 
Ye  storm-clouds!     I,  the  myrtle,  first 
Shall  break  your  strength  with  Heaven's  aid! 
Come,  fate ;  come,  fate,  thy  will  is  now  obeyed ! 

Choir.     (Concluding  verse  of  ancient  hymn) 

He  is  our  God,  our  Savior  He, 

Our  sheltering  rock  in  sad  misfortune's  hour, 

Our  standard,  refuge,  portion  shall  He  be, 

Our  lot's  Disposer  when  we  seek  His  pow'r. 

Into  His  hands  our  spirit  we  consign 

Whilst  wrapped  in  sleep,  that  we  again  may  wake: 

And  with  our  soul,  our  body  we  resign 

The  Lord  with  us — no  fears  our  soul  can  shake ! 

Curtain 


84  Esther  and  Harbonah 

SCENE  III 

(King's  reception  chamber.  King  seated,  Harbonah 
standing  before  him.  Biztha,  other  chamber 
lains,  guards.} 

King 

(To  Harbonah)  It  cannot  be  that  Haman  false  has 

proved ! 
I'll  not  believe  it!     No! 

Harbonah 

Your  Majesty, 

I  know  for  fact  well  ascertained,  that  he 
Had  dealings  vile  with  Teresh  and  Bigtan 
And  Marna.    Two  of  these  whom  I  have  named 
Were  hanged  upon  the  gallows  for  the  crime 
Of  treason  'gainst  thy  royal  life.    The  third 
Yet  lives,  and  will  confess  that  he  was  hired 
By  Haman,  then  called  Memucan,  to  slay 
A  harmless  Jew  who  truly  loved  a  maid 
Whom  Haman  sought  to  wed! 

King 
Bring  Marna  now!     (Exeunt  guards) 

Harbonah 

(Aside)  My  chance  has  come!  And  fortune  smiles! 

If  now 

I  poison  not  the  royal  mind  against 
The  hated  Haman,  may  my  God  ne'er  aid 
Nor  more  remember  Harbonah 's  revenge!     (Enter 

guards  with  Marna) 

King 
(To  Marna)  What  knowest  thou  of  Memucan? 


Act  III  85 

Marna 

But  this, 

Your  Majesty!     That  I,  with  others  two, 
Were  by  him  hired.    Their  names,  I  well  recall, 
Were  Teresh  and  Bigtan,  and  both  were  hanged 
For  foul  conspiracy  against  thy  life. 

King 

\ 

What  service  was  required  of  thee? 

Marna 

To  slay 

One  David,  son  of  Hur,  whom  Memucan 
Detested,  and  we  slew  him! 

King 

And  what  more 
Hadst  thou  to  do  for  him? 

Marna 

No  more. 

King 

Thou  know'st 
No  part  of  Teresh 's  plot  to  take  my  life? 

Marna 

No,  no,  your  Majesty!    I  never  saw 
The  man  again! 

King 

(Musingly}    That   matters   not!      (Marna  is  led 

out.}     It  seems 

That  Haman  hired  the  traitors  once!    Then  why 
Not  once  again?     (To  Harbonah}  I'll  try  the  man 

and  thou 


86  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Shalt  justice  have!     If  it  be  true  as  thou 
Hast  said,  that  Haman  seeks  the  royal  throne 
And  would  supplant  me  as  is  sometimes  done, 
I'll  be  more  hasty  to  degrade  him  than 
I  was  to  honor  him!     I'll  lower  him! 
I'll  take  his  dignity,  his  all,  his  life! 
No  traitor  lives  so  close  to  Persia's  king! 

(Flourish   of  trumpets;  enter  Hatach) 

Biztha 

Your  Majesty,  if  now  it  please  the  king, 
Prince  Haman  waits  without  and  craves  to  hold 
An  audience  immediate  with  thee! 

King 

(To  Harbonah)  Stand  close  behind  me!     (To  Biz 
tha)  Let  him  enter  now! 

(Enter  Haman.  Harbonah  stands  behind  the  king.) 

Haman 

Your  Majesty,  it  is  my  pride  to  state 
That  victory  again  hath  crowned  thine  arms. 
The  pirates  of  the  West,  from  Graecia's  coast, 
Who  suddenly  appeared  when  all  was  peace, 
Are  scattered  by  the  fleet  I  sent  to  fight 
The  robbers  who  presumed  to  capture  and 
To  burn  a  royal  treasure-ship  which  came 
From  Rhodes. 

King 

We  thank  thee,  Haman,  for  thy  zeal 
And  will  reward  thee! 


Act  111  87 

Haman 

No,  your  Majesty, 
I  do  not  more  deserve  reward! 

Harbonah 
(Aside  to  king)  That's  true! 

Haman 
I  have  but  done  my  duty! 

Harbonah 
(Aside  to  king)  That  is  false! 

Haman 

(To  the  king)  I  fain  would  make  thy  government 

so  safe, 

That  with  my  care  thou  wouldst  not  have  a  cause 
To  occupy  thy  royal  mind  except 
With  pleasures  ever  new,  and  leave  the  cares 
Of  state  to  me,  the  humblest  of  thy  slaves! 

Harbonah 
(To  the  king) 

The  cunning  rogue !     He  first  would  hold  the  reins 
Of  sov'reignty  beneath  thy  sanction,  then 
He'd  oust  thee,  and  as  sure  as  fate,  thy  death 
Thou'dst  meet  (Ironically)  "while  seeking  pleasures 

ever  new," 
As  he  is  pleased  to  term  it! 

(Trumpets.     Enter  Hatach) 

Hatach 

Lo,  the  queen ! 


88  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Haman 

(Coming  forward)  The  law  forbids!    'Tis  death  to 

all  who  dare 
To  come  unsummoned  'fore  the  king! 

King 

(Suspiciously)  Except 

The  king  extend  the  sceptre!     But  perhaps 
Thou  would'st  demand  her  life? 

Harbonah 
(Aside  to  king)  As  like  as  not! 

Haman 
(Confused)  No,  no!    I  think — That  is — 

King 

(Coldly)  Thou  mayest  go! 

We  will  excuse  thee  now!     (Exit  Haman) 
(To  Hatach)  The  royal  wish 

Is  that  the  queen  may  enter!  (Hatach  bows;  goes 
out  to  usher  in  the  queen.) 

Harbonah 

( To  the  king)  Did  the  king 

Observe  this  Haman 's  speech?     He  stammered  like 
As  if  his  treach'rous  tongue  gave  way  before 
Your  majesty  and  would  betray  his  guilt! 
Believe  not  that  he  wants  her  life!     He  wants 
The  queen  to  grace  the  throne  at  which  he  aims ! 

( Trumpets.  Enter  queen  in  royal  apparel,  preceded 
by  trumpeters  in  state  uniform,  by  pages, 
guards,  etc.  She  is  supported  by  Myrrhine  and 
Zerdatha.  As  she  enters  the  pages,  etc.,  file 


Act  III  89 

off.    She  hesitates  at  the  sight  of  the  king.  Ac 
cording  to  tradition  she  faints  away.) 

Myrrhine 

(Whispers')  Have  courage,  Hadassah.   It  is  for  life! 
Thou  art  the  humble  myrtle,  Esther,  thou, 
The  myrtle-Hadassah,  the  myrtle  thou! 

(Esther  recovers,  slowly  advances.  The  king 
stretches  the  sceptre,  which  she  touches  as  she 
kneels  before  him.) 

King 

What  wilt  thou,  Esther,  Queen  of  Persia,  what 

Is  thy  request?    It  shall  be  granted.    Aye, 

To  half  my  realm  what  e'er  thou'rt  pleased  to  ask! 

Esther 

If  it  be  good  before  the  king,  let  him 

And  Haman  come  this  day  to  banquet  which 

I  have  prepared  for  him! 

King 

It  shall  be  done! 

The  royal  word  is  given;  let  the  wish 
Of  Esther  be  conveyed  to  Haman  now 
At  once!   (Esther  retires,  procession  files  out.) 

Hatach 
Your  Majesty,  it  shall  be  done.     (Exit  Hatach) 

King 

(To  Harbonah)  Did'st  mark  her  word,  good  Har- 
bonah?  She  said 


9<j  Esther  and  Harbonah 

A  banquet  which  she  had  prepared  for  HIM! 
Does  this  suggest  collusion  and  a  plan 
Already  made,  arranged  between  the  two? 
What  him?    The  king  or  Haman?    Is  her  feast 
Prepared  to  honor  me  or  him? — this  him — 
It  puzzles  me — does  it  imply  a  plot? 

Harbonah 

No,  no,  your  Majesty,  the  queen's  too  pure 
N     To  link  her  hand  with  such  a  traitor!     No! 
More  likely  Haman  schemes  and  finds  in  her 
An  innocent  unconscious  instrument 
To  further  his  designs.     He'd  doubtless  win 
At  least  her  acquiescence  in  his  plan, 
Contrive  that  she  will  compromise  herself, 
Excite  thy  wrath,  be  slain  and  thus  once  rid 
Of  one  so  faithful  to  thy  interests, 
He  will  more  easily  enmesh  the  king! 
He  loved  her  once — or  did  pretend!    Mayhap 
He  loves  her  yet!    Mayhap  he'd  gain  her  hand 
As  price  to  save  her  loved  ones  from  death ! 

King 

'Tis  well!  'Tis  well!  I'll  keep  a  careful  watch. 
I  do  not  doubt  the  queen;  but  what  thou  say'st 
Of  Haman,  opens  wide  my  eyes.  ( To  courtiers) 

My  friends, 
'Tis  time  the  court  concludes;  we  will  adjourn. 

(As  king  leaves  in  state  procession  forms  as  in  Act 
III,  Scene  /.) 

Chorus.     "ALL   HAIL   OF   EARTHLY   KINGS  THE 
FIRST" 

All  hail  of  earthly  kings  the  first! 
Long  live  the  king,  we  cry 


Act  III  gi 

May  all  his  foes  be  e'er  dispersed 
Like  clouds  across  the  sky! 

As  bend  the  boughs  when  tempest  blows, 

As  leaves  in  autumn  fall, 
So  bend  and  fall  all  Persia's  foes; 

In  vain  for  help  they  call! 

From   lands   remote   the   captives   bring 

For  tribute  all  their  store 
To  swell  the  treasures  of  the  king, 

The  conqueror  in  war. 

( The  third  or  second  and  third  verses  may  be  omit 
ted,) 

Curtain  falls 


SCENE  IV 

(King's  bedchamber.     King,  Harbonah,  attendants, 
Choir  outside.) 

Song.     By     Royal     Choir.     "ANGEL     OF     REST, 
SPREAD  THY  WINGS  O'ER  Us  MORTALS" 

Quartette 

Angel  of  rest,  spread  thy  wings  o'er  us  mortals, 
Under  thy  shadow,  O  grant  us  repose! 
Bid  with  thy  magic  fly  open  the  portals 
Leading  to  refuge  from  sorrow  and  woes. 

Chorus 

Haste,  Holy  Spirit,  to  weave  with  thy  Pow'rs 
Sleep's  sweet  enchantment,  where,  sighing  for  rest, 
Mortals  lie  tossing  through  lead-footed  hours, 
Praying  to  be  with  thy  kisses  caressed, 
Praying  to  be  with  thy  kisses  caressed! 


92  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Quartette 

Come,   gentle  spirit,  with   mystery  soothing, 
Whispering  respite  to  hand  and  to  brain, 
Calming  anxiety,  pain's  pillow  smoothing, 
Charming  the  soul  with  thy  heavenly  strain! 

Chorus 
Haste,  Holy  spirit,  etc. 

Quartette 

Paint  with  thy  witchery  dreams  that  will  lighten 
Life's  heavy  burden  of  sorrow  and  care, 
Visions  of  happiness,  visions  to  brighten 
Hearts  that  are  darkened  with  doubt  and  despair! 

Chorus 
Haste,  Holy  Spirit,  etc. 

King 

The  poorest  peasant  in  the  land  at  night 
Reposes  free  from  care,  his  work  forgot 
In  restful  sleep!    The  slave  who  seems  to  live 
To  toil,  without  the  faintest  gleam  of  hope 
For  his  release,  save  that  which  death  can  bring, 
Finds  happiness,  when  bound  in  slumber's  chains. 
He  dreams  of  freedom,  peace,  his  earthly  home, 
The  land  from  which  by  conquest  he  was  torn, 
But  I?    Ten  thousand  demons  torture  me! 
I  toss  and  woo  sweet  slumber's  kiss  in  vain! 
The  wealth  of  e'en  a  monarch  cannot  buy 
One  night's  repose  like  that  which  nature  gives, 
When    dashing    through    his    fevered    brain    his 

thoughts 

Fly,  whipping  ev'ry  power  of  the  soul 
To  mad  activity!    What  is't  to  be 


Act  III  93 

A  king?     Enthroned  in  state,  surrounded  by 

His  courtiers,  priests,  and  guards  and  slaves,  he's 

more 

A  solitary  being  than  the  fool 
Who  laughs  when  any  sunbeam  lights  the  air 
And  sets  the  dust-motes  dancing!     He  can  sport 
And  find  no  peril  lurking!     I,  the  king, 
Must  look  askance  at  prince  and  slave  alike! 
For  danger,  death,  may  crouch  at  ev'ry  side! 
Suspicion,  child  of  demon  parentage, 
When  once  thy  whisper's  breathed  within  the  soul, 
Thou  poison'st  ev'ry  joy!     Farewell  to  peace! 
All  friendship,  love  itself  must  die!     The  light 
Of  happiness  which  shines  into  the  soul 
From  out  the  eyes  in  which  we  love  to  gaze 
Is  darkened!     O  for  happiness!     I'd  change 
My  royalty  for  peasant's  cot,  could  I 
Be  sure  of  happiness!     I  wonder  if 
A  king  of  Persia  ever  was  beset 
With  difficulties,  perils,  like  I  find 
So  multiplied  around  me!     (To  Harbonah)  Bring 

to  me 

The  chronicles  of  Persia.     Read  therein! 
I  cannot  sleep!     Mayhap  'twill  pass  the  time 
Until  the  dawn  shall  roll  the  night  away 
And  earth  be  waked  to  life  again! 

Harbonah 

What  part, 
Your  Majesty,  shall't  please  you  to  be  read? 

King 

(Aside)   My  soul  with  jealousy  is  full,  despite 
The  words  of  Harbonah.     (To  Harbonah)  I  fain 

would  know 

Did  ever  queen  and  prince  plot  death  to  king? 
I'd  have  those  stories  read  which  will  set  forth 


94  Esther  and  Harbonah 

The  death  of  Persia's  monarchs  that  were  met 
By  violence — (Aside}  yet  no!     Why  intimate 
The  fear  which  now  unmans  me?    (To  Harbonah) 

Read  to  me 

The  story  of  the  war  across  the  sea 
Where  those  brave  men  defended  with  their  lives 
A  narrow  pass  against  my  chosen  hosts, — 
'Tis  called  Thermopylae  in  Grecian  tongue, — 
I  like  a  tale  of  bravery  e'en  when 
It  is  a  foe  that  shows  it!     It  will  turn 
My  thoughts!     Perchance  forgetting  cares  of  state 
I'll  glide  into  a  sleep  for  half  the  watch 
That  still  remains!     Yet,  no!     I'd  rather  hear 
The  story  of  my  reign.    This  Haman,  how 
Did  I  advance  him?     'Fore  I  made  him  great, 
Who  was  he?     Maybe  his  career  will  show 
Why  I  have  reason  to  suspect  the  man. 
Is  he  ambitious?     Is  he  prideful?     Or 
Does  love  of  duty  to  his  country  and 
His  king  so  spur  his  heart  that  he  forgets 
His  interests  rememb'ring  mine?     Now  read! 

Harbonah 

From  o'er  the  sea  came  Memucan,  new  crowned 

With  glory.    And  the  mighty  king  desired 

To  place  him  high  above  all  princes,  e'en 

'Fore  those  whose  privilege  it  was  to  be 

Admitted  to  the  royal  presence.     So 

By  royal  order  and  command,  which  none 

May  change,  it  was  decreed  that  Memucan 

No  more  should  be  his  name,  but  Haman,  prince 

Of  all  the  princes.     Thus  was  he  to  be 

Rewarded.     Slaves  and  gold  and  precious  things 

Should  be  presented  in  the  royal  name 

To  crown  with  wealth  the  man  thus  singled  out 

For  honor.     Time  and  season  then  were  sought 

By  lot,  to  find  a  most  propitious  day 


Act  III  95 

On  which  to  honor  him  with  title  new, 
And  in  the  presence  of  satraps,  pachas, 
High   princes,   governors   assembled,   give 
To  him  the  sign  of  royal  trust  and  love. 
The  day  was  found,  but  'fore  it  came,  a  plot 
Most  vile  against  the  royal  life  was  told 
By  Mordecai,  a  son  of  one  of  these 
Enslaved  nations  which  are  ruled  by  him 
Who  first  of  earthly  kings  is  throned  in  might. 
This   Mordecai,   of  Yair  son,   whose  sire, 
Shim'i,  was  son  of  Kish,  revealed  the  plot 
To  Esther,  Persia's  noble  queen,  who  sent 
The  word  thereof  to  Persia's  king.     'Twas  sought 
And   searched   and   thus   two   officers  were  seized; 
Bigtan  was  one;  the  other  Teresh.     Both 
Were   hanged.      Then    came    the   day   when    Ha- 
man 

King 

Stop! 
This  Mordecai,  was  he  rewarded? 

Harbonah 

No, 
Most  gracious  Majesty! 

King 

Who  stands  without? 

Attendant 
Prince  Haman  has  arrived.     He  waits  until 


King 

Then  bid  him  enter.     (Exit  attendant)     Read  no 
more!     Enough!  (Enter  Haman) 

Ah,  Haman,  ever  watchful  of  thy  king! 


96  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Dost  thou  in  very  truth  deny  thyself 
Of  even  sleep  to  guard  thy  monarch? 

Haman 

Sleep 

Can  never  bind  the  eyes  of  those  who  love 
The  state  and  know  their  duty. 

King 

I  have  sent 

To  ask  advice  of  thee.     What  shall  be  done 
To  him  whom  I  desire  to  honor?    Though 
Good  Harbonah  who  stands  so  high  among 
My  trusted  officers  is  present  here, 
I  ask  him  not.     For  know  my  mind  is  full 
Of  what  has  just  been  read  to  me  about 
Thy  victories  across  the  sea. 

Haman 

(Aside)  Now  what 

New  honor  doth  the  king  design  to  give? 
And  then  to  whom  except  to  me?    And  last 
What  honor  do  I  need?    Nor  wealth  nor  slaves 
Nor  dignity  do  I  require.     And  yet 
I  must  say  something!     (Thinks  a  moment}     Yes, 

my  enemy, 

This  Harbonah,  I'll  humble — he  shall  be 
The  instrument  of  Haman's  honor!     Aye 
I'll  please  the  king  by  asking  modestly 
That  which  he  can  bestow!     And  more,  my  plans 
Shall  be  advanced  to  gradually  show 
The  world  that  Haman  holds  the  reins  of  state — 
Then  when  the  moment  comes  to  kill  the  king 
My  right  to  hold  the  throne  shall  none  deny! 
(Advancing)    Your    Majesty,    for   Jiim    the   man 

whom  thou, 


Act  III  97 

The  king,  delightest  to  give  honor,  thus 

Let  me  the  humble  servant  of  the  king 

Suggest.     The  royal  robe  which   thou,   the  king, 

Dost  wear,  the  royal  steed  which  thou,  the  king, 

Dost  ride,  the  royal  crown  which  thou,  the  king, 

Dost  bear  upon  thy  head,  let  all  be  brought. 

Let  him  whom  thou  wouldst  honor  be  arrayed 

With  these,  the  royal  robes  and  crown,  and  placed 

Upon  the  royal  charger,  led  by  one 

Who  stands  among  thy  trusted  officers 

Right  high,  and  who  shall  loud  proclaim  before 

Him  as  he  rides  on  horseback  through  the  streets, 

That  thus  shall  it  be  done  unto  the  man 

The  king  delights  to  honor! 

King 

Go  then,  thou 

And  do  as  thou  hast  said  to  Mordecai 
The  Jew. 

Hainan 

To  Mordecai?     (Aside)  Ye  gods,  what  fate 
Is  this?     (To  the  king)  Your  Majesty,  be  pleased 

to  hear — 

What  I — this  sudden  resolution — if 
It     pleaseth      thee, — perchance     thou     hast     not 

thought 

King 

What  aileth  thee,   Prince  Haman — thou  art  pale! 
Thou    seem'st    confused!      Didst    hear    the    king's 
command  ? 

Haman 

Forgive  me!     Many  Mordecais  there  are — 

I  would  but  ask  which  Mordecai  thou  mean'st — 


98  Esther  and  Harbonah 

King 

(To  Harbonah)  Announce  to  him  which  Mordecai 
I  mean. 

Harbonah 

(Reading}  One  Mordecai,  of  Yair  son,  whose  sire 
Shim'i  was  son  of  Kish. 

Haman 

I  go,  O  king, 

Rejoiced  and  honored  at  the  sign  of  trust 
Which  thou  art  pleased  to  place  in  me,  thy  slave ! 

(Exit  Haman.     With  glance  of  fury  at  Harbonah, 
who  bows  with  mock  humility.) 

Harbonah 

(Advancing  before  the  king)  Your  majesty,  it  is  in 

keeping  with 

His  cunning,  cunning  which  hath  overreached 
Its  aim  and  hath  revealed  not  him  whom  thou, 

0  king,  delight'st  to  honor — no,  but  him 
Who  is  a  traitor  foul!     Your  majesty, 

1  scarce  could  hold  my  wrath!     O  king,  when  first 
He  heard  thy  words  concerning  him  whom  thou 
Desir'd'st  to  honor,  why,  his  eyes  were  all 
Ablaze !     His  cheeks  were  flushed !     His  treach'rous 

heart 

Heaved  quick  his  breast — he  thought  that  thy  in 
tent 

Was  honor  fresh  to  heap  upon  himself! 
Now  mark,  I  pray  thee,  what  he  asked!   Thy  steed, 
Which  prancing  with  proud  mettle,  walks  as  if 
He  knew  he  bore  earth's  greatest  king!    And  then 
With  thy  robes  robed,  and  more,  with  thy  crown 
crowned, 


Act  III  99 

Prince  Haman  would  be  led  through  all  the  streets 
Of  this,  thy  capital,  by  him  who  next 
Is  ranked,  and  this  high  officer  shall  cry 
That  thus  is  done  unto  the  man  the  king 
Delights  to  honor.     Mark  him  well!     He  will 
Not  wait  until  his  wretched  plan  to  take 
Thy  life  shall  ripen  to  success!     He  fain 
Would  show  himself  with   royal  state  proclaimed 
To  all  the  people,  ruling  in  thy  place! 
Thus  all  shall  understand  that  he  now  sways 
Instead  of  thee  the  sceptre,  and  that  thou 
Withdrawest  from  the  cares  of  state.     But  not 
As  he  to  thee  within  thy  presence  dared 
To  lie, — that  thou  in  pleasures  ever  new 
Should'st  take  thy  ease — O  king!      (Kneeling')    O 

mighty  king! 
I  scarcely  dare  to  say  what  this  portends! 

King 
I  bid  thee  speak! 

Harbonah 

Your  Majesty,  my  life 

Is  thine! — 'Tis  better  thou  should'st  take  my  life 
Than  that  I  should  provoke  thy  righteous  wrath — 

King 
Did'st  hear  me?    Speak! 

Harbonah 

Your  Majesty,  the  blood 
Flies  seething  through  my  brain!     I  dare  not — 

King 

Speak ! 

(Leaps  from  couch,  seizes  Harbonah  by  the  throat.) 


IOO  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Harbonah 

That  thou  art  mad — insane — thy  reason  fled 
And  therefore  for  the  safety  of  the  realm 
Thou  art  deposed! — So  Haman  would  pretend! — 
That  thou  must  be  removed  from  Persia's  throne 
And  must  be  placed  where  "pleasures  ever  new" 
Shall  wait  upon  thy  whims!    As  when  they  give 
Some  wisps  of  straw  to  those  whose  sense  hath  gone, 
To  weave  as  fancy  pleases  while  they  laugh 
A  joyous  laugh  and  look  with  dulled  eye! 
This  plan  is  not  a  sudden  thought  of  his! — 
For  many  years  his  wicked  purpose  fixed, 
Determined,  hath  been  to  lead  astray 
The  minds  of  all  thy  faithful  subjects!     Thus 
He  hath  proceeded.     Years  ago,  O  king, 
Thou  heldest  counsel  for  the  war  with  Greece. 
Then  Haman  noised  it  that  weak  cowardice 
Unnerved   thee,   that  responsibility 
Thou  shirkedst,  so  that,  if  defeated,  thou 
Wouldst  have  no  blame.     Yea,  more,  that  if  thou 

call'dst 

From  distant  provinces  some  men  who  ne'er 
Had  heard  the  name  of  Greece  to  plan  a  fight 
With  her,  then  thou  wert  mad,  insane,  unfit 
To  be  the  king!    And  then  a  question  rose, 
Whereon  this  subtle  knave  declared  that  thou 
Didst  waste  in  riot  and  in  wine  the  wealth 
Of  Persia!     At  that  feast  he  drugged  thy  cup 
And  led  thee  to  the  bet  that  with  the  queen 
No  woman's  beauty  vied.     He  egged  thee  on 
To  send  for  Vashti.     Well  he  knew  she  would 
Refuse!     For  when  did  ever  royal  queen 
Display  her  face  to  drunken  men?     I  heard 
The  dastard  say  the  king  was  drunk  or  mad 
Or  both!     Thus  disrespect,  the  mother  of 


Act  III  10 1 

Disloyalty,  he  spread!     Again  he  urged, 

With   fawning  voice  and  cringing  words,   to  send 

The  queen  away,   lest  her  example  should 

Inspire  all  wives  their  husbands  to  despise! 

Thou  didst  comply !     "  'Tis  further  evidence 

Of   Madness,"  said  the  knave,   "The  king  knows 

well 
The   queen  was  right!      He  thus  rewards  her!" 

Thus 

He  jeered  thee!    Then  he  bade  thee  summon  all 
The  maids  from  every  home  within  thy  realm 
To  come  to  thee  that  thou  might'st  choose  a  queen 
Instead  of  Vashti.     Thus  to  mutiny 
He  stirred  all  fathers,  brothers,  lovers  too! 
They   cursed   the   king  who'd   rob   them   of   their 

loved ! 

They  swore  defiance !  Then  he  crushed  them  down ! 
But  cunningly.     For  soldiery  he  loosed 
By  edict  signed  and  sealed  by  thee,  O  king, 
While  he  declared  he  mourned  for  Persia's  woe! 
The  hypocrite!     The  traitor!     Then  he  caused 
Thee  to  proclaim  that  every  man  should  as 
The  master  rule  in  his  own  house!     As  if 
The  world  knew  not  this  universal  law! 
And  thus  again  the  traitor  dared  to  hold 
Thee  up  for  ridicule,  for  men  to  mock 
And  women-folk  to  jeer.     'Twas  then  he  tore 
From  out  her  humble  home  of  peace  and  love 
Thy  queen,  then  gentle   Hadassah,  to  stand 
With  other  maids  for  thee  to  see. 
'Twas  not  to  do  thy  will,  it  was  to  wreak 
Revenge  because  she  would  not  be  his  wife! 
For  he  had  sworn  that  she  should  be  the  toy 
Of  some  Satrap!     And  if  by  any  chance 
She  should  be  chosen  to  be  queen,  he'd  find 
The  means  to  murder  her! 


IO2  Esther  and  Harbonah 

King 

What!    Lift  a  hand 
Against  my  queen? 

Harbonah 

Aye,  here's  the  letter  which 
He  sent — four  lines  will  show  his  heart!     (Reads) 

11  Tis  I 

Who  tear  thee  from  thy  home,  and  if  mischance 
Should  place  the  crown  upon  thy  brow,  within 
A  day  I'd  poison  thee,  I  have  the  means!" 
And    Hadassah,    this   simple   Jewish   maid 
Who  spurned  him  in  contempt  for  tempting  her 
To  break  her  promise  to  her  dying  sire 
And  wed  an  alien  to  her  faith,  is  now 
By  fate,  the  queen,  e'en  Esther! 

King 

O  ye  gods! 

What  mystery !    What  Fate !    As  he  would  seek 
To  slay  the  queen,  he'd  also  slay  the  king! 

Harbonah 

Then  next  he  caused  thee  to  proclaim  a  law 
That  all  the  Jews  in  all  thy  realm  should  be 
Consigned  to  death — the  old,  the  young,  the  men, 
The  women  and  the  children;  and  their  goods 
Should  be  the  spoil  of  him  who  liked.     'Tis  hard, 
O  king,  to  paint  the  mischief,  misery 
And  wrong  which  has  resulted!     All  trade's 
Unhinged.    The  merchants  will  not  trust,  lest  him 
They  trust  be  proved  a  Jew,  and  then  be  slain 
By  one  who'd  seize  their  goods.     The  Jews  who 

hold 

Within  their  hands  much  commerce,  and  who  give 
Employment,  bread  to  thousands  of  thy  slaves, 


Act  III  103 

Those  Jews  so  active  and  industrious, 

So  bold  in  ventures,  enterprises,  say 

'Tis  better  that  they  realize  and  go 

To  other  lands,  to  Egypt  or  to  Greece. 

Nor  are  their  poor  forgotten,  for  the  rich 

Have  joined  their  monies  just  to  send  away 

Their  poorer  brethren  who  are  destitute! 

But  mark  the  craft  of  Memucan!     He  stirs 

The  cutthroats,  murderers,  and  thieves  and  knaves 

To  scent  a  harvest  in  the  pillage  of 

The  Jews,  and  in  anticipation,  loose 

Their  passions  vile!     The  rich  say  they  will  miss 

The  Jews  who  are  the  instruments  where  brains 

And  energy  and  industry  are  asked. 

The  poor  declare  that  never  do  they  lack 

For   aid,   nor   suffer   if   they  find   a  Jew! 

To  give  for  charity  is  part  of  Jew's 

Religion.     Thus  it  is  that  Jewish  poor 

Become  no  charge  unto  the  state.     But  most 

Of  all,  the  honorable  in  thy  realm 

Lament  thy  law  to  kill  the  Jews.     Their  crime, 

What  is  it?    Are  they  traitors?    Are  their  lives 

So  lived  that  they  disgrace  the  royal  state? 

O  that  the  Persian  would  but  imitate 

Their  purity!     They  are  not  drunkards,  thieves 

Nor  cutthroats!     Never  are  they  numbered  'mong 

The  dangerous  who  lurk  in  every  town 

To  rob  or  move  to  mutiny!     Their  wives 

And  daughters  are  most  chaste.  Their  sons  are  true 

And  most  respectful  to  their  sires.     They  love 

Their  law.     That  law  'tis  different,  as  said 

Prince  Haman.     Yes.     Because  the  teachings  of 

Their  elders,  teachers  and  their  learned  men 

Interpreting  the  law,  impel  them  all 

To  lead  good  lives.     It  makes  them  all  good  men, 

Good  women  and  good  subjects  to  their  king! 

This  law  they  study  day  and  night.     For  well 


IO4  Esther  and  Harbonah 

They  know  that  if  the  study  of  the  law 

Should  be  neglected  so  that  they  become 

But  Jews  in  name,  instead  of  Jews  in  lives 

They  lead,  they'll  lose  the  grace  of  God  and  man. 

'Tis  thus  the  story  of  their  history, 

That  loyalty  unto  their  law  means  that 

Their  God  "will  bless,  preserve  them,  cause  His 

face 

To  shine  upon  them  and  will  grant  them  grace, 
That  He  upon  them  will  His  countenance 
Uplift,   and  give  them  peace,"  the  greatest  boon! 
O  king,  O  mighty  king,  the  people  say 
That  thou,  to  order  death  to  all  the  Jews, 
The  peaceful,   law-abiding,   active   race, 
Who  add  so  much  unto  thy  kingdom's  wealth, 
That  thou'rt  bereft  of  all  thy  senses!     More, 
That  if  more  evidence  shall  be  adduced 
To  show  that  thou  art  mad,  thy  throne  shall  be 
Declared  vacant,  and  thyself  removed! 
Then  Haman  rules  for  thee  until  thy  brain 
Shall  gain  the  power  to  think  and  wisely  guide 
The  state!     When  thinkest  thou,  O  king,  if  once 
Prince  Haman  rules,  thou  wilt  return  to  sit 
Anew  upon  thy  throne?    Thou  know'st  that  death 
Will  swiftly  wait  on  malady,  if  he, 
A  master  of  the  healing  art,  direct 
Thy  cure!      He'd   go   forth   now  with   thy  robes 

robed, 

With  thy  crown  crowned,  bestriding  royal  steed 
To  be  proclaimed  by  thy  command  the  man 
Whom  thou  delight'st  to  honor!     That's  to  say 
The  man  whom  thou  dost  designate  to  be 
Before  all  others  honored!     So  that  in 
Emergency,  for  instance,  if  by  any  chance 
Thy  health  should  fail,  thy  reason  lose  its  sway, 
Or  if  thy  death  should  come,  all  men  shall  look 
To  him  whom  thou  delight'st  to  honor,  to 


Act  III  105 

Succeed  unto  thy  royal  duties.     What! 
He  said  to  wear  thy  robes  and  crown!     It  shows 
He  now  is  ready  both  the  crown  and  throne 
To  grasp!     Already  hath  he  issued  laws 
With  thy  seal  sealed,  and  not  with  his,  to  say 
That  all  the  tithes  and  customs,  tolls  and  gifts 
By  which  thy  revenues  are  made,  shall  flow 
Henceforth  unto  collectors  whom  he  names! 

King 
By  what  right  useth  he  my  seal? 

Harbonah 

O  king, 

Thou  lentest  him  thy  ring  to  seal  the  law 
By  which  the  Hebrew  race  is  doomed  to  die! 

King 

And  hath  he  thus  abused  my  confidence? 

Harbonah 

Behold   a  copy  of   the  law  thus  sealed.      {Draws 

from  girdle  a  scroll) 
Demanding  tithes  and  tolls!     It  saith 
That  in  thy  absence  Haman  rules  for  thee 
By  thy  command ! 

King 

I  never  said  such  thing! 
The  traitor  hath  abused  my  trust!     He  dies! 
O  friend  most  false!     O  hypocrite  most  vile! 
Foul  parasite!     The  anger  of  a  king 
Thou   swift  shalt   know!     Now  leave  me,    Har 
bonah, 


IO6  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Unto  my  thoughts.     The  night  hath   passed   and 

sleep 
Hath   fled   from  out  my  brain  which   throbs  and 

leaps 

With  what  thou  hast  recounted!     I  will  rest 
And  think  how  best  to  crush  this  crafty  knave ! 

(King  reclines  on  his  couch.  Royal  choir  sings 
softly  as  follows:) 

Royal  Choir.  HYMN,  "To  THE  DAWN"— "Lo, 
THE  FIRST  FLUSH  OF  THE  ROSE-TINTED 
MORNING" 

Quartette 

Lo,  the  first  flush  of  rose-tinted  morning! 

Vanish,  ye  shadows,  that  stalk  in  the  night, 
Haste  to  your  dens  ere  the  light  that  is  dawning 

Take    from    earth's    children    your    life-killing 
blight. 

Chorus 

Welcome,  O  brightness,  that  heralds  the  morrow! 
Hail,  Holy  light,  with  thy  brilliancies  blessed! 

Bring  to  the  sufFring  surcease  of  all  sorrow, 
Bring  renewed  life  to  the  sleepers  at  rest, 
Bring  renewed  life  to  the  sleepers  at  rest! 

Harbonah   (Stepping  forward) 

Thou  God,  of  whom  I  learned  of  Mordecai 
And  learning  thus,  have  learned  to  honor  Thee! 
Thou  art  the  God  of  Pity — that  I  know! — 
And  if  Thy  will  I  would  perform,  I  ought 
Myself   to   conquer,   and   I   ought  to  show 
To  Memucan  my  foe,  compassion!    Yea, 
I  know  that  Thou  art  merciful,  and  I, 


Act  III  107 

To  do  Thy  will,  should  pardon  e'en  a  foe! 
Great  God!     My  mother  and  my  wife  he  slew 
When  I  was  absent!     Me  he  falsely  charged 
With  treason!    All  my  children  at  his  word 
Were  strangled! — Through  his  lies  I  passed  long 

years 

An  exile,  and  of  all  that's  dear  bereaved! 
Myself  he  maimed,  with  maiming  foul,  most  vile! 
Can  I  forgive  a  villain  such  as  he? 
I  must?     Then  was  I  wrong  to  loose  my  tongue? 
O,  if  my  private  wrongs  have  winged  my  words 
With  venomed  plume,  while  warning  Persia's  king 
Of  public  woes  contrived  by  Memucan, 
Forgive  me,  O  forgive  me,  mighty  God! 
I  was  a  savage  until  Mordecai, 
So   good,    first  whispered   me   Thy   Name!     And 

now, — 

If  hatred  and  revenge  both  tear  my  heart, 
God,  pity  me!     I  only  am  a  man! 

Curtain 


ACT  III 

SCENE  V 
(An  anteroom  of  the  palace) 

Myrrhine 
The  Queen  to-day  a  second  banquet  gives. 

Zerdatha 
Yes,  so  'tis  said,  but  where  ? 


io8  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Myrrhine 

Thou  know'st  the  hall 
Adjoining  this,  the  minor  banquet  hall, 
It  looks  upon  the  royal  garden.    There 
The  feast  is  spread.     But  Haman  tarries  yet. 

(Enter  Hatach) 

Hatach 

My  ladies,  if  it  please  you,  I  would  beg 

You  wait  upon  her  majesty.     The  hour 

Appointed  for  the  banquet  is  at  hand, 

And  here  Prince  Haman  comes,  so  late  that  word 

(Exeunt  Myrrhine  and  Zerdatha.     Trumpets 

sound.) 

Of  urgent  haste  I  twice  despatched,  for  both 
The  king  and  queen  are  angered  through  delay. 

(Enter  Haman  with  attendants) 
(To  Haman)   If  now  it  please,  sir  prince,  I  will 

acquaint 
Their  majesties  who  long  have  waited  you.     (Exit 

Hatach) 

Haman 

(Soliloquizes)   A  chilling  parting  Zeresh  gave  me 

when 

I  left!     When  I  had  told  her  all  the  strange 
Occurrence  of  the  morn,  how  that  the  plan 
Concerning  Mordecai  was  quite  reversed 
And  he  whom  I  had  thought  to  hang,  instead 
I  had  to  honor,  speaking  loud  she  cried 
(And  she  is  wondrous  skilled  in  mystic  lore), 
"If  Mordecai  is  one  of  Jewish  race 
Before  whose  star  thine  own  begins  to  pale, 
Thou'lt  fall  before  him!" — Then  I'm  hurried  here! 
I  learn  the  banquet  waits,  the  king  is  vexed, 
And  Harbonah  in  royal  favor  high 


Act  HI  109 

Is  placed!     As  if  the  net  were  closing  round 
And  adverse  fates  were  clamorous  for  me 
To  be  their  victim!     Worst  of  all,  the  queen 
At  yestern's  banquet  called  me  Memucan! 
Mayhap  it  was  mistake  of  hers,  mayhap 
It  was  my  fancy,  but  if  Esther  did 
In   Haman  recognize  the  Memucan 
Of  old,  my  fate  is  sealed,  for  David's  death 
Yet  cries  aloud  against  me!     Ah,  they  come! 

(Trumpets  sound  both  ends.  Enter,  L.,  Pages, 
King,  Harbonah,  Guards.  Enter,  R.,  Pages, 
Queen,  Myrrhine,  Zerdatha,  Guards.} 

Haman 

(Aside)   He  gives  me  not  a  welcome  as  of  old! 
He  frowns  upon  me!     What  does  that  portend? 
Nor  does  the  Queen  bestow  upon  me  e'en 
A  glance!     My  heart  is  cold!     Is  Zeresh  right? 

King 


So,   Haman,   thou   art  here.      (To   Esther)    Your 

Majesty, 
Your  guest  is  present;  shall  we  now  adjourn? 

(Queen  bows.  King  takes  her  hand,  leads  her  to 
the  banquet  table  which  is  disclosed  by  the 
scene  opening  upon  it.  Divans  are  ranged 
round  the  table  which  is  brilliantly  lit  and 
Hatach  and  Harbonah  take  up  position  each 
side,  Haman  following  King  and  Queen.  He 
takes  his  place  at  the  table  on  left  of  king; 
queen  on  right.  Music  meanwhile.  Wine  is 
handed  which  the  attendants  taste  first,  to 


HO  Esther  and  Harbonah 

show  there  is  no  poison.     Or  it  can  be  dis 
pensed  with.} 

King 

I'll  pledge  thee,  Esther.  What  would'st  have  of  me! 

Petition  or  request?     'Tis  done,  to  half 

My  realm  thou  mayest  ask.    Thy  word's  my  law! 

Esther 

(Coming  forward)  Your  Majesty,  another  banquet 

waits ! 

The  guests  are  fire  and  sword,  high  treason,  death, 
The  ravens  of  the  air,  the  dogs  that  roam 
The  streets,  the  passions  of  the  human  breast! 
The  music  of  the  banquet  is  the  shriek 
Of  men  and  women,  tender  children  too, 
The  roar  of  flame,  the  shouts  of  demons,  aye, 
The  cries  of  victims,  and  among  them  one 
Who  sits  on  Persia's  royal  throne! 

King 
(Alarmed  and  passing   before   Haman   to  front) 

What?     Death! 
'Tis  treason!     Harbonah!     Ho!     Guards! 

(Harbonah  signals,  guards  advance  to  side  of  Ha 
man.) 

Esther 

(Kneeling  before  the  king)  Aye,  King! 

'Tis  treason  foul  and  dastardly,  but  not 
Against  thy  life, — I'd  die  to  save  thee  harm! 

(Kisses  king's  hand) 


Act  III  in 

King 

What  is  it,  then?     Remember  what  thou  ask'st — 

Petition  or  request!     'Tis  done!     To  half 

My  realm  thou  mayest  ask!    Thy  word's  my  law! 

Esther 

(Still  kneeling}  If  I  have  found  before  thee  grace, 

O  king, 

And  if  it  please  your  majesty,  oh  spare 
My  life  at  my  petition,  and  the  life 
Of  all  my  people;  this  is  my  request! 
For  we  are  sold;  my  people,  I,  to  be 
Together  slain,  exterminated!     Yet 
If  we  to  servitude  were  sold  I  then 
Would  silence  keep!     But  no!    The  foe  forgets 
The  damage  to  the  king! 

King 

Why,  who  is  he 
And  where  is  he,  whose  heart  emboldens  him 

To  plot 

Esther 

(Interrupts;  she  rises  to    her  feet  and  points  to 
Haman.) 

Thy  foe,  thy  enemy,  'tis  he 
The  wicked  Haman! 

King 
Eh? 

Esther 

(Staggers,  is  supported  by  Zerdatha  and  Myrrhine, 
who  lead  her  to  the  couch) 

O  saved!    My  dream! 
O  myrtle,  saved!  (Falls  on  couch) 


112  Esther  and  Harbonah 

King 

Some  air!     I  cannot  breathe! 
What  treachery,  what  villainy  is  this!     (Exit) 

Hainan 

(Kneels  before  Esther;  rudely  grasps  her  hand,  upon 
which  Harbonah  whispers  to  a  page,  who 
rushes  after  the  king.) 

Oh,  queen,  forgive  my  wrong,  and  spare  my  life! 
What  I  can  do  to  make  amends,  I  will! 
But  thou!     O  intercede  for  me! 

King         * 

(Suddenly    enters,    the   page   after   him)      What? 

Hold! 

The  villain  would  insult  the  queen?     Away 
With  him  to  instant  death! 

(Guards  pinion  Haman  and  throw  a  black  cloth 
over  his  face;  then  stand  on  each  side  of  him.) 

Harbonah 

Your  Majesty, 

There  stands  in  Haman's  house  the  gallows  which 
He  made  for  Mordecai  who  saved  thy  life ! 
'Tis  fifty  cubits  high  and 

King 

Hang  him  on't! 

Thou,  Harbonah,  call  hither  all  the  court, 
That  all  may  see  how  Persia's  king  degrades 
A  traitor,  mean  and  cowardly,  who's  fed 
From  out  my  hand  and  stung  me  in  return, 
Not  only  by  a  base  attempt  upon 


Act  III  113 

My  life,  but  by  insulting  Persia's  queen 
Before  my  very  face! 

Harbonah 
(Bowing}  The  court  attends! 

(Scene  in  rear  opens  and  discloses  courtiers,  etc., 
who  enter,  R.  L.} 

Esther 

Your  Majesty,  this  Mordecai  to  me 

Is  nearest  kin,  and  he  in  place  of  both 

My  parents,  who  are  dead,  has  nourished  me. 

King 
He  shall  succeed  to  Hainan's  honors  all! 

Esther 

He  now  is  here  with  all  my  dearest  friends 
Of  early  days. 

(Enter  all  the  companions  of  Esther.  Courtiers  in 
rear,  friends  across  center,  guards  at  side,  Ha 
inan,  L.,  Mordecai  next,  King  centre,  Esther, 
Harbonah  R.  Grand  march  while  positions 
are  taken.) 

King 

(To  Mordecai}  Thou,  Mordecai,  I  know 

Thy  heart's  integrity  and  all  that  thou 

Hast  done  for  me  and  Persia's  queen.    'Tis  ill 

Repaid  by  what  I  do,  but  yet  'tis  all 

I  can.     I  make  thee  prince  in  Haman's  stead, 

The  prince  of  all  the  princes,  aye,  the  first! 

( Gives  Mordecai  the  ring  which  a  guard  removes 
from  Haman's  finger.} 


114  Esther  and  Harbonah 

Mordecai 

Your  Majesty,  my  heart  is  much  too  full 
To  even  thank  thee !    All  my  thoughts  to  God 
Are  turned  in  gratitude,  too  great  to  be 
Expressed,  for  granting  us  deliverance 
So  wondrous!     Next  to  Him,  to  thee  I  give 
My  thanks  and  shall  with  ev'ry  effort  strive 
To  prove  thy  royal  trust  is  not  misplaced! 

King 

'Tis  well,  'tis  well!    We  will  at  once  take  steps 
To  save  thy  race  the  Jews;  for  though  a  law 
Of  Persia  once  in  force  can  never  be 
Repealed,  we  will  its  purpose  nullify 
By  publishing  an  edict  to  protect 
The  unoffending  nation. 

Mordecai 

(Loudly  to  all)   Now  if  I 
Have  any  power  as  the  chief  of  all 
Of  Persia's  princes,  let  my  first  command 
Be  that  we  all  unite  in  praise  to  God 
For  saving  thus  His  chosen  race  again! 

All  in  Grand  Chorus 

Amen! 

Glory  to  God.     Honor  the  Name 
Of  Israel's  Guardian, — Praise  ye  the  Lord! 

YE  NATIONS  ALL!   (Psalm  117) 

Ye  nations  all,  your  voices  raise 
In  unison  the  Lord  to  praise! 
Ye  peoples  all,  the  chorus  swell, 
And  sing  to  Him  in  great  Hallel! 

Amen. 


Act  III  H5 

Exceeding  mercy  doth  He  bear 
To  us,  His  children,  'neath  His  care! 
His  truth's  for  aye!     O  praise  the  Lord 
Who  thus  is  worshipped,  thus  adored! 

Amen! 


APPENDIX 

Note.     INTERMARRIAGE 

Intermarriage  between  members  of  different 
sects  produces  often  religious  or  social  friction,  apt 
to  be  intensified  as  the  children  grow  up,  and  cer 
tain  to  prevent  much,  if  not  all,  of  that  family 
union  in  which  men  and  women  find  the  surest  hap 
piness  in  life. 

I  have  known  this  evidenced  in  intermarriage 
even  between  members  of  two  different  Protestant 
sects. 

Between  Catholic  and  Protestant,  intermarriage 
is  strictly  forbidden,  as  it  is  between  Jew  and 
Christian. 

Sermons  reach  but  few.  Therefore  sermons  on 
Intermarriage  cannot  affect  the  masses. 

Novels  whose  theme  is  intermarriage  sometimes 
obtain  wide  circulation,  such  as  "Robert  Elsmere," 
where  incompatibility  of  religious  ideas  between 
husband  and  wife  profoundly  affects  both,  and 
"The  Yoke  of  the  Torah,"  where  life  is  seared 
because  one  is  a  Jew  and  the  other  a  Christian. 

The  dramatic  story  of  Esther  presents  the  inter 
marriage  of  a  Jewess  and  a  non-Jew.  It  affords 
opportunity  to  give  expression  to  such  unhappy  re 
sults  of  intermarriage  as  violation  of  religious  ten 
ets,  family  ostracism,  social  friction,  trammelled  hos 
pitality,  friendships  cooled  or  alienated,  patronizing 
toleration  that  galls  instead  of  mollifies,  contempt, 
ridicule,  grief  to  parents  all  the  more  acute  because 
silently  borne;  secret  regrets  for  having  given  par- 
117 


Ii8  Appendix 

ents  pain,  decay  of  religious  consciousness, — these 
are  some  of  the  consequences. 

Hence  the  courtship  scene  between  Esther  and 
Memucan  and  the  scene  concerning  Jered.1 

Intermarriage  fosters  family  disunion  and  com 
pels  the  contracting  parties  to  choose  between  re 
ligious  apathy,  uncomfortable  surrender  of  princi 
ples,  moral  cowardice  or  cowardly  hypocrisy. 

Neither  family  union  nor  true  citizenship  is  pos 
sible  without  spirituality  or  religion.  Therefore 
intermarriage  is  to  be  sternly  and  uncompromisingly 
condemned. 

1The  Frankfurter  Zeitung  contains  some  remarkable 
figures  on  intermarriage  in  Germany  during  the  war. 
"From  1901  to  1913  the  intermarriage  of  Protestants 
rose  from  3  per  cent,  that  of  the  Catholics  about  4^ 
per  cent,  while  among  the  Jews  it  went  up  from  16.97 
per  cent  in  1901  to  30.98  per  cent  in  1913.  Since  1914 
intermarriages  have  decreased  markedly  in  the  case  of 
non-Jews,  but  the  figures  show  an  alarming  increase  in 
the  case  of  Jews.  Against  every  100  unmixed  marriages 
between  Jews  there  are  no  less  than  fifty-three  mixed 
marriages.  The  conditions  of  war  which  brought  a 
great  number  of  hasty  unions  is  no  doubt  accountable  in 
a  measure  for  the  abnormal  rise.  Whatever  the  causes, 
it  will  be  interesting  to  see  whether  the  process  will 
continue  to  develop  at  the  same  rate  when  normal  con 
ditions  are  restored. 


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